Venous and Carotid Dopplers are available at CMH every Tuesday and Thursday.
Venous Dopplers-
A venous ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins in the body, particularly in the legs and arms. It is common to use ultrasound to evaluate the veins for a blood clot, especially in the legs. When a blood clot develops in the vein, ultrasound can show the clot and also the slowing or complete blockage of blood flow that is causes.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should dress comfortably, but you may have to remove clothing and jewelry depending on the exam. There is no special preparation needed for a venous ultrasound.
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will use gel and press the transducer against your skin. The technologist will take images of your veins and also listen to your veins with Doppler ultrasound. Venous ultrasounds are usually painless, however if your leg is swollen and tender, the pressure from the transducer may add to your discomfort. The exam will last approximately 30 minutes.
Carotid Dopplers-
What are the common uses of this procedure?
Imaging of the carotid is most commonly used to detect narrowing, or stenosis, of the carotid artery. If your doctor finds a carotid bruit (an abnormal sound in the neck heard with a stethoscope) an ultrasound may be needed.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will use gel and press a transducer against your neck. The transducer is pressed against the skin on both sides of the neck from the collarbone region to the jaw line. The procedure is painless and noninvasive. You will hear pulse-like sounds as the procedure is being done. The exam will take approximately 45 minutes.