Indications:
- Absent peripheral pulses
- Arterial trauma
- Exercise related limb pain
- Limb pain at rest
- Extremity ulcers/gangrenous
- Arteriovenous malformation
- Surveillance of known vascular disease
- Follow-up post limb revascularisation
Contraindications and limitations:
- Extreme leg girth (obesity, excessive musculature or extreme oedema)
- Site trauma such as open wounds in the scanning area
- Casts or dressings that cannot be removed
- Patients that cannot be adequately positioned
Patient preparation:
- On the day of the ultrasound eat alight breakfast, lunch or snack 4 – 6 hours prior to ultrasound.
- On the day of the ultrasound, refrain from applying oils or moisturisers to the lower limb
PLEASE BRING RELEVANT, PREVIOUS DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS AND ULTRASOUND WORKSHEETS TO YOUR ULTRASOUND AND DOCTORS APPOINTMENT
What to wear:
Loose-fitting clothes, for example; elasticated skirt/pants/shorts and a loose-fitting top.
Ultrasound study technique:
This is a non-invasive diagnostic study. The patient will lie on a bed, with the head of the bed slightly elevated for comfort. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the groin, on the anteromedial aspect (inside of the limb) of the thigh and the lower leg. An ultrasound probe will be used to locate the leg arteries. The arteries will be assessed by ultrasound imaging, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler waveform velocities. Images will be obtained, and the results documented on a worksheet.
Ultrasound study time:
30 minutes per leg
Results:
A worksheet can be available, if requested. A formal written report will be available within 24 to 48 hours, following the ultrasound examination, Monday to Friday. If the ultrasound findings demonstrate pathology, which may require urgent attention, the referring Doctor will be notified ASAP following the completion of the ultrasound.