Duplex Ultrasound Upper Limb Vessels

Blood vessels supplying the upper and lower limbs can be affected by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Arterial duplex ultrasound is indicated to identify blockages and assess the width of these blood vessels to diagnose PAD. Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of sound waves to produce images of the movement of blood in the arteries. It is a process which combines regular ultrasound (produces images of the organs) and Doppler ultrasound (produces images of blood flow through the blood vessels) to view abnormalities in the blood vessels that affect the flow of blood.

Your doctor applies a gel on the region being evaluated.  A transducer, which emits sound waves is moved over the area to capture images of the arteries. Your doctor may ask you to lie in different positions to capture images from different angles. The images and recordings obtained are thoroughly examined by your vascular surgeon to diagnose blockages or narrowing in the arteries.