Vascular Studies

Vascular Studies

 

What are Vascular Studies?

Vascular studies are tests performed on a patient in order to check and assess the blood flow in their veins and arteries. Keep in mind that these types of tests have to be performed by a professional physician or a vascular specialists such asDr. Norberto Fleites from DNF Medical Centers.

How does it work?

It is simple. Vascular studies work by placing a transducer on the skin of the patient in order to deliver high-frequency sound waves, which are too high for the human ear to hear, and measure the amount of blood flow in the patient’s vessels. Once the high-frequency waves travel throughout the skin, body tissues, and reach the blood vessels, the waves will echo off from the blood cells. Thus, picking up and sending the echoed waves towards the amplifier, which converts the ultrasonic sound into perfectly audible waves.

How many types of vascular studies are there and what are they?

There is a total of 4 different vascular studies categories or types. Each one of these is applied to the patient depending on their symptoms and conditions. They are:

  • Carotid artery duplex scan
  • Carotid duplex scan
  • Pulse volume recording (PVR)

What are the types of ultrasound technology that could be used?

There is only two types of ultrasound technology utilized for this exam, which are:

  • Doppler ultrasound
  • Color doppler

What are vascular studies used for?

Vascular studies may be suggested by your cardiologist or physician if he or she believes that the patient’s blood flow in the peripheral circulation has decreased. Vascular studies can be helpful for a lot of conditions, some of the most common ones are:

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • Varicose veins
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Thrombus or embolus
  • Raynaud’s Phenomenon

What are some symptoms to help me know when my blood flow has decreased?

Vascular studies may be needed if the patient shows the following symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Foot pain when not walking
  • Leg pain
  • Weakness during claudication
  • Swelling
  • Cool and pale skin color
  • Warmth or soreness in the legs

Contact Us

If you are showing any of these symptoms and are concerned about your health, please feel free to contact a vascular specialists or physician such as Dr. Norberto Fleites or our professional staff members at DNF Medical Centers (321) 235-6230, or visit us at 5580 E Grant St, Orlando, Fl 32822 on Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., or Fridays through Sundays from 8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.