Vascular ultrasounds are a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create an image of the vessels that carry blood through the body. These images can detect vessel issues and determine if treatment is necessary. We will use this technique to diagnose a patient’s condition before recommending treatment.
Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Orange County is an IAC accredited center, and we offer vascular ultrasounds that can help diagnose conditions. To learn more about our vascular ultrasound process or to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-598-1194.
The VISOC ultrasound lab has offered comprehensive non-invasive vascular laboratory testing for over 25 years. Our full complement of services includes ultrasound studies for the following:
These studies evaluate hemodynamics, vessel anatomy, and flow direction, which provides us with critical diagnostic information. Our laboratory will perform “STAT” studies within 2 hours of the request. For elective studies, referring physicians can expect scheduling within 1-2 weeks, a preliminary report faxed to the office the same day as the study, and a formal report faxed within 1 business day of the test being completed. Finally, if there are questions concerning the study results in view of the patient’s clinical presentation, feel free to contact our office.
Ultrasounds are a safe, painless imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images inside the body. Ultrasounds are a common step in various medical procedures, including checking the uterus, heart, kidneys, and arteries and helping doctors (or technicians) read the blood flow in the liver.
The ultrasound probe is placed on the patient’s skin and moved over the area studied by a technician until an image can be seen on a screen.
Check out what others are saying about our Vascular Ultrasound services on Yelp: Vascular Ultrasound Orange
Determining the reason for a vascular ultrasound is something we do not want patients to fret over; it means we are one step closer to determining a diagnosis. Doctors may order a vascular ultrasound for numerous reasons, including:
Vascular ultrasounds are not painful and are non-invasive, and are performed relatively quickly. However, there are some things to keep in mind to prepare for the first appointment.
When patients arrive for their appointment, they should be wearing loosely-fitted clothing and no jewelry. We will review their medical history. We need to know about medications taken and their family history of vascular diseases. We also need to know about their surgical history. If there have been surgeries that may affect the vessels in the legs or arms. This information will guide our examination and treatment recommendations.
To better understand the patient’s condition, our specialists may ask questions related to the timing of the symptoms, pain or discomfort-related symptoms, and history of present or previous ulcers. It is good to mention our specialist may form a light physical examination of the patient before determining if the vascular ultrasound is necessary.
Patients should arrive in loose-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Patients may be asked to undress and put on a gown our staff will provide. From there, they will need to lie face up on our exam table so that our technicians may apply a cool water-soluble gel to the area we will examine.
We will then begin the scanning process with a small device that is attached to the imaging machine. The device emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body’s tissues until they bounce back off certain structures like bone or blood vessels. A computer then processes this information into two-dimensional pictures of the patient’s vascular system showing how fast blood flows through different parts.
A vascular ultrasound does not require any sedation or anesthesia. Thus, no needles will be involved during this process. Patients may experience mild discomfort from the coolness of the water-soluble gel but nothing unbearable by any means. In addition, no recovery is needed afterward, as ultrasounds are completed in one session.
The exam itself takes 20 minutes or less. It is conducted in our comfortable medical facility (on-sight) by certified technicians who will explain every step of the process to our patients. During this time, if the patient has any questions regarding this process or condition, we encourage them to bring them up freely to any of our friendly staff.
A vascular ultrasound is usually recommended every 1 to 2 years. In some cases, however, it may be recommended more frequently. Some of these include:
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and plan. If you are unsure, confer with your insurance provider about receiving a vascular ultrasound and their stipulations regarding the procedure. Additionally, we invite you to call our office to discuss financing options and arrangements.
Our team is here for you every step of the way, as you are our top priority. During your first appointment, we will review your symptoms and medical history. From there, our vascular specialist will determine if an ultrasound is needed or if a better alternative for the diagnostic process. We strive to provide patient education and transparency from start to finish and encourage you to ask our friendly team members questions or share your concerns.
There are many different types of ultrasounds, and they all cater to various body parts and are set to view other conditions. Your primary doctor may have requested a vascular ultrasound due to your symptoms relating to a vascular disorder. Therefore, this type of ultrasound will get a better look at the body’s vascular system.
It is important to note that all ultrasounds are a part of a diagnostic plan. Therefore, once we can narrow down the exact cause of your condition, we can create an effective treatment plan. After reviewing your specific case, you will be advised on the number of appointments necessary by our specialists.
We are an IAC-accredited medical center comprised of medical experts, including interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and physician assistants. Therefore, we are fully equipped to perform any test necessary for diagnosing any condition related to the vascular system. If we do not pick up any abnormalities through the vascular ultrasound, we have many other options to go through before we need to restrategize.
At Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Orange County, we are committed to providing you with an effective vascular ultrasound experience. Our staff is trained in all aspects of the procedure so that patients may feel confident that their results will be accurate and complete. We also offer additional services that can help diagnose and treat conditions affecting the blood vessels, including angiograms, venous ultrasound exams, and more. To schedule an appointment or inquire about our services, call us at 714-598-1194.
Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Orange County is located at 1010 W La Veta Ave Suite 320 Orange, CA 92868.