Vascular Doppler ultrasonography
What is Vascular Doppler ultrasonography?
Ultrasonography is a medical process which uses ultra-sound; it can explore the inside of the human body using a technique very similar to sonar. It provides the means to visualise body tissue, notably blood vessel walls. The Doppler Effect measures the movement of red blood cells inside the vessels and can thus provide moving images of blood circulation inside the arteries and veins. Ultra-sonographic exploration of arteries and veins now combines ultra-sound imaging and the Doppler Effect.
How Vascular Doppler ultrasonography is completed
An emitter-receiver is placed on the skin to which a special gel to favour the transmission of ultra-sound waves has been applied. This requires a lot of concentration and care on the part of the operator. Do not be surprised or worried by their silence. They will share their observations with you once the test has been completed and you will then be able to ask them any questions that you may have.
Duration of the test
This test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Is Vascular Doppler Ultrasonography painful?
No, the test is entirely painless. No electrical current is in direct contact with the skin. A probe coated with a water-based gel is simply placed on the skin to emit and receive the ultra-sound waves. At most there may be some sensation if the operator has to apply pressure to the ultra-sound-Doppler probe.
Does the test require any special preparation?
Generally speaking the test requires no particular preparation. However if it is necessary to visualise the intra-abdominal vessels, you may be required to refrain from eating or drinking before the test, or to follow a specific dietary regime. Intestinal gases can block the ultra-sound waves and have a negative effect on the test.
What is Vascular Doppler Ultrasonography used for?
It provides a means to visualise the arteries and veins, it may be required in a number of different situations.
The most common are:
- to detect or monitor vein thrombosis;
- to diagnose or monitor peripheral artery disease;
- to detect or monitor an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta;
- to examine the renal arteries, and identify any shrinking (for an aetiological high blood pressure report) ;
- after an operation on any artery or vein, regardless of whether it is situated in the neck, abdomen, upper or lower limbs;
- to evaluate blood circulation in the larger vessels inside the brain (cerebral arteries) as part of the analysis for neurovascular conditions.
Vascular Doppler Ultrasonography is a means to detect and/or monitor the evolution of arterial or venal shrinkage (stenosis), blockage (thrombosis) or dilation (aneurysm).
When will you receive the results?
After the end of the test, the doctor will provide you with a brief summary of the main results. These results will be combined with those of the clinical examination (question responses, medical background of the individual and parents, physical examination and auscultations).
The Vascular Doppler Ultrasonography may sometimes need to be combined with other tests, notably radiological or angiography. Ultrasonography observations are often discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting including vascular medicine, radiology, vascular surgery, cardiology, etc. At least 24 hours will be required before the final results can be handed over to you by the service’s reception. In certain cases the ultrasonography specialist may need to share the main elements of the results with your doctor by telephone. In certain cases (patients residing outside of the Paris Region or unable to travel in comfort) the results may be sent by post to your home address or that of your GP.
Practical information
Dr Sophia AYOUB, Specialist in angiology and vascular ultrasonography.
Dr Camille DEGUILLARD, Cardiologist, Ex-Paris Hospital Intern, DIU echocardiography, DIU Sports Cardiology.
Dr Florence THIBAULT-BARRAU, Specialist in angiology and vascular ultrasonography.
Monday to Friday
Appointments: 01 47 59 55 01 or 01 47 59 59 50