Venous Ultrasound (arms and legs)

When the veins in the arms or legs need to be examined, a venous ultrasound may be ordered. Sound waves are used to create images of the veins.

Typically, a venous ultrasound is ordered to assess conditions such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis). A DVT is a clot that forms in a vein, usually in the leg. This is a dangerous condition, as the clot can dislodge and travel to the lungs. A clot in the lungs is referred to as a pulmonary embolism. If the clot is discovered soon enough, treatment can prevent it from traveling to the lung.

Other conditions that call for a venous ultrasound are chronic leg swelling or varicose veins. The ultrasound can help identify any malfunction of the venous valves that keep blood flowing back to the heart and other abnormal blood flow issues.

Ultrasounds are also used to help in placing a needle or catheter into a vein, thus avoiding extra bleeding or damage to nearby structures.

Blood flow issues sometimes require removal or bypassing of some veins of the legs or arms. A venous ultrasound is required to map out the veins and plan the surgical procedure needed.

A Doppler ultrasound may also be ordered at the same time to measure the amount of blood flow through the veins, and a vascular flow study is designed to detect abnormal blood flow. These studies are ordered when blood clots are suspected or poor circulation needs to be assessed.

Stanislaus Cardiology can assess and treat all of these conditions.