During an ultrasound, your doctor or technician uses a handheld device called a transducer to send the sound waves into your body. The transducer also collects the sound waves as they bounce back off of your internal tissues. The equipment uses that information to create images of your organs, blood vessels, and other internal tissues. At AVLC, the doctors use vascular ultrasounds both to diagnose health issues and to guide some procedures to ensure the damaged part of the vein is treated.

How are ultrasounds used to diagnose vascular health issues?

Dr. Heird and Dr. Winand use ultrasounds to monitor your circulation and examine your blood vessels for signs of problems like blood clots, faulty valves, and narrow blood vessels. The images provided with ultrasounds help the doctors diagnose the condition causing such symptoms as leg numbness, fatigue, and pain.

What vascular treatments are performed with ultrasound guidance?

The doctors at AVLC also use ultrasounds during vascular procedures like sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation. The ultrasound images enable your doctor to see precisely where the needle or catheter is placed. This ensures that only the damaged or weakened parts of your veins are treated, and you get the best possible outcome.

How should I prepare for an ultrasound?

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for an ultrasound on your legs. You might want to wear loose, comfortable clothing, but in most cases, your doctor gives you a gown to wear during the ultrasound. A gown provides unrestricted access to your legs, making it easier for your doctor or technician to move the transducer to create clear images of your blood vessels. The ultrasound technician may also apply a clear gel to your legs before the ultrasound to enhance the movement of the sound waves for a clear picture. Wearing a gown prevents the gel from getting on your clothing. After your ultrasound, you can go straight home or back to work. The treatment is noninvasive and doesn’t require any downtime to recover. However, if you have an ultrasound-guided vein treatment, you may want to take the rest of the day off so you can rest and walk around frequently to promote healthy circulation. Call Advanced Vein & Laser Center or schedule an appointment online today for expert vascular health care services including ultrasounds.