When it comes to circulatory problems and cardiovascular disease, having access to the most experienced doctors and diagnostic equipment is essential. At his clinic in Clifton and Ridgewood, New Jersey, triple board-certified physician Brendan Sullivan, MD, FACC, relies on innovative tools, like vascular ultrasounds and Doppler ultrasounds, to identify circulatory problems and cardiac issues. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
A vascular ultrasound is a type of noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your blood vessels, arteries, and veins. These screenings can help Dr. Sullivan evaluate veins and arteries in almost every part of your body, including your arms and legs, abdomen, and neck.
When you have a vascular ultrasound, sound waves penetrate the tissues in the treatment area, bounce off the blood cells within your blood vessels, and return to the ultrasound machine. The reflected sounds create an image of your blood vessels on a monitor.
Dr. Sullivan often performs a Doppler study during a vascular ultrasound.
A Doppler study is a noninvasive test that estimates the blood flow in your veins by measuring how high-frequency sound waves bounce off your circulating red blood cells. If a blood vessel reveals fast blood flow, it can indicate narrowing or blockages in a vein or artery.
Dr. Sullivan might recommend a vascular ultrasound and Doppler study to look for a variety of conditions, including:
In some cases, Dr. Sullivan also uses vascular ultrasound and Doppler studies to monitor how you respond to vein and artery treatments.
Dr. Sullivan offers vascular ultrasound and Doppler studies on-site at his clinic. These tests are usually quick, painless, and don’t require downtime.
During your ultrasound, your technician applies gel to the treatment area. This water-based solution helps the ultrasound transducer connect with your skin and transmit sound waves.
To capture the best visualizations of your blood vessels, your technician may angle the transducer in different ways or sweep it over the area to create the best images with the ultrasound’s soundwaves. The Doppler study occurs during your vascular ultrasound and uses the same transducer.
Most vascular ultrasound and Doppler studies take around 30-45 minutes. Afterward, your technician wipes the gel solution from your skin, and you can resume regular activities.
For more information about vascular ultrasounds and Doppler studies, call Brendan Sullivan, MD, FACC, or schedule an appointment online today.
