What is a vascular ultrasound exam?
A vascular ultrasound exam is a non-invasive (no needles, shots, or cuts),
painless study that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of organs, tissues, and other structures inside the body. By placing a transducer (probe), with water-based gel on the surface of the patient’s skin, the sonographer and specialist can image blood vessels (arteries and veins) and test blood flow to diagnose or rule out vascular disease.
No radiation exposure
Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no radiation exposure associated with ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound is generally considered to be safe. The medical field has been using ultrasound for over 50 years and there is no known risk associated to the patient receiving an ultrasound exam.
Affordable & covered by most insurance carriers
Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be subject to your copay, deductible, or coinsurance. Our knowledgeable staff can help provide you with an approximate cost of care for your services. Don’t have insurance? Not a problem. Our financial coordinators can help set up a payment plan for you.
Ultrasound Studies We Provide
Carotid Duplex
Ultrasound of the arteries in both sides of the neck, backside of the head, and base
of the neck – to look for blockages and any abnormality
Arteriovenous Fistula Duplex
Ultrasound of the fistula or graft and the vessels in the arm or leg depending on the location of the fistula or graft – to look for blockages, dilatation, or ballooning of the vessels.
Aorto-Iliac Duplex
Ultrasound of the Aorta and other arteries in the lower abdomen – to look for
blockages and ballooning of these vessels
Renal Artery Duplex
Ultrasound of the kidney, the vessels within the kidney, kidney arteries and
veins, and Aorta – to look for blockages and any abnormality
Mesenteric Artery Duplex
Ultrasound of the arteries feeding the intestine – to look for blockages and any abnormality
Lower Extremity Venous for Reflux
Ultrasound of the veins in the legs – to look for blood clots, varicose veins, and to assess leakage in the vein valves
Ankle Brachial Indices
To take waveforms of vessels in the lower part of the legs and to take blood pressure in both arms and ankles – to indirectly test how much blood flow is getting to the foot
Lower Extremity Arterial Duplex
Ultrasound of the vessels in the leg – to look for blockages, dilatation or enlargement of the vessels, and any abnormality
Learn More About Our Areas of Expertise
This service is for any adult with a vascular disease, to learn more about your symptoms click the link to the right.
FAQs
How do I know which ultrasound study is right for me?
Your referring provider will determine the appropriate ultrasound study (studies) that best suit your symptoms. However, if you have a PPO insurance plan, you may be able to make an appointment to see our provider directly so we can determine the appropriate ultrasound study for you.
What do I need to do to be prepared for an ultrasound exam?
You do not need to do anything to be prepared for an ultrasound study unless you are getting an ultrasound study of the vessels in the abdominal area.
What do I need to do if I am getting an ultrasound study of the vessels in my abdomen?
Ultrasound waves cannot penetrate through air bubbles or gas; therefore, it cannot pick up any image or flow of the vessels in your abdomen. To get the most out of the study, you would need to fast for at least 12 hours prior to your appointment to prevent excessive gas build up in your abdomen. The food you eat has great effect on the gas build up in your abdomen; therefore you should avoid eating the following suggested foods the night before your exam:
- avoid eating a high-fat diet (no fried, fatty, or greasy foods and no dairy products)
- avoid eating vegetables and legumes that can increase gas build ups such as cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, and beans.
- chewing gum (prevent excessive air swallowing)
What locations are ultrasound exams performed?
We provide ultrasound services in our Seattle, Edmonds, Issaquah, and Tukwila offices. In the near
future, we hope to provide these services in our Sequim location as well.