Vascular Ultrasound
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Diabetic Foot and Wound Center
Wound Care Specialists & Podiatrists located in Bakersfield, CA
Vascular ultrasound provides a safe, noninvasive way to monitor the health and function of your circulatory system. At Diabetic Foot and Wound Center in Bakersfield, California and the wound care specialist team offer vascular ultrasounds in their state-of-the-art facility. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today. Same-day and next-day appointments are available.
Vascular Ultrasound Q & A
What is a vascular ultrasound?
Vascular ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your veins and arteries.
During a vascular ultrasound, your Diabetic Foot and Wound Center provider places a small probe, called a transducer, and gel directly on your skin. Your provider carefully moves the transducer, which emits sound waves. The sound waves bounce off of your veins and arteries, producing images in real-time.
Why would I need a vascular ultrasound?
The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center uses vascular ultrasound to evaluate the body’s circulatory system. That helps to:
- Monitor blood flow to organs and tissues
- Locate blockages or abnormalities
- Detect blood clots
- Evaluate varicose veins
- Evaluate the success of surgeries, like a graft or bypass
- Determine if there is an enlarged artery (aneurysm)
The team also uses vascular ultrasounds to determine if patients are good candidates for invasive vascular tests such as angiography.
How do I prepare for a vascular ultrasound?
Preparing for a vascular ultrasound is easy and hassle-free. On the day of your appointment, leave all of your jewelry at home and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If you’re undergoing an abdominal vascular ultrasound, you might also need to fast in advance of your appointment.
What happens during a vascular ultrasound?
When you arrive at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center on the day of your vascular ultrasound, you lie down on an exam table on your back or side. Your provider then applies a water-based gel to your skin, which helps the transducer move smoothly.
Your provider carefully sweeps the transducer back and forth over a particular area of interest. Most vascular ultrasounds take 30-45 minutes.
Following treatment, your provider wipes the gel off your skin with warm water. You can return to work or other normal activities right away.
Who interprets the results of the vascular ultrasound?
After your appointment, Diabetic Foot and Wound Center evaluates your results and shares them with your general practitioner. Your doctor then shares the results with you. If they detect a blockage or abnormality, follow-up appointments may be necessary. Additional testing can guide treatment and monitor your progress over time.
To see if you can benefit from a vascular ultrasound, schedule an appointment at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center. Call the office or book a consultation online today.