Arterial Duplex Leg/Arm
Arterial Duplex ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create pictures and records sound waves reflecting off the moving blood to measure their speed and other aspects of how they flow. This test examines the blood vessels in the leg or arm to show the exact area of narrowing or blockage. This test is used to evaluate grafts or stents in the legs or arms.
How Should I Prepare?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. Otherwise, there is no other special preparation for an arterial Duplex ultrasound.
During The Test:
You will lie on an examination table. A warm, water-soluble gel is applied to the skin over the area to be examined. The gel does not harm your skin or stain your clothes. A probe is gently applied and up and down against the skin.
Your Results
The result of the exam will be provided to the referring physician within 24 to 48 hours after it has been reviewed by a radiologist.
Why Do I Need an Arterial Duplex?
If you are experiencing :
- Muscle cramping in the hips, thighs or calves while walking, climbing stairs or exercising which usually goes away when the activity stops. This is called “claudication”.
- Leg pain that doesn’t go away when you stop exercising
- Foot or toe wounds that won’t heal or heal very slowly
- Gangrene, or dead tissue
- A marked decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot, compared to the other leg or the rest of your body
- Erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes
What Are The Risk Factors for Arterial Disease:
- Aging
- A personal or family history of PAD, cardiovascular disease or stroke
- Smoking
- Overweight or obesity
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
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