How is ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities done: preparation and contraindications. Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities - preparation and procedure Where to undergo the study

Ultrasound of the vessels of the upper and lower extremities is one of the most informative, safe, and fastest diagnostic methods that allow assessing the degree of vascular pathology and identifying it at the early stages of the disease. The initial method of examination is ultrasound of the vessels of the upper and lower extremities. Supported by duplex angioscanning (USDS), this technique has no analogues in terms of studying the pathology of the vessels of the upper and lower extremities.

Principles of vascular ultrasound

The ultrasound method is based on the ability of low ultra-frequency reflections from objects in motion. Analyzing the data obtained by means of ultrasound sensors, a specially compiled algorithm (computer program) builds a graphical representation of the features of blood flow and vascular structure. A number of devices allow you to see a color image of the recorded processes. The movement of blood and the pulsation of the veins and arteries of the upper and lower extremities can not only be seen, but also heard.

The ultrasound method allows you to see the blood flow system and a graphical representation of active processes. Some devices are able to provide a color image of the structures

Indications for ultrasound examination of the lower extremities

Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities is a safe and affordable research method. However, like any medical procedure, it should be used according to indications and under the supervision of a medical specialist. If you have any disturbing symptoms, you need to contact a phlebologist.

Indications for ultrasound of the arteries and veins can be:

  • parasthesia (tingling, crawling, numbness);
  • telangioctasia (spider veins), visible expansion of the venous walls;
  • swelling in the legs, feet (with a predominance of unilateral);
  • changes in the color of the skin of the legs (from brown to purple);
  • long-term non-healing wounds/scratches, trophic ulcers;
  • pain, heaviness and cramps of the calf muscles;
  • pallor or cyanosis of the skin of the feet;
  • skin itching in the leg area;
  • night pains in the calf muscles;
  • weakness in the legs, noticeable during exercise;
  • intermittent (appearing and passing) lameness;
  • cold extremities regardless of the ambient temperature;
  • a decrease in the volume of the lower leg, a decrease in hair growth, etc.

Additional indications for an ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower extremities are: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity. As well as myocardial infarction and vascular surgery on the legs, an increase in the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.

Types of ultrasound diagnostics of blood vessels

There are a lot of questions about the terminology of ultrasound diagnostics. What is the correct name for this study? Any study using ultra-low frequencies is an ultrasound. There are several hardware methods for angiodiagnosis of arteries and veins, both of the upper and lower extremities:

  • Ultrasound Doppler/Doppler- graphic registration of blood flow, with the determination of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of its speed. It is used to detect diseases of the arteries and veins of the upper and lower extremities. The method is quite simple, takes a little time, there are portable devices that will allow examination of seriously ill patients.
  • Duplex angioscanning (USDS or USAS). This is a combination of spectral Doppler study and color mapping. Areas with different blood flow rates are colored in different shades, opposite colors are colored in different directions of blood flows (from the sensor and to the sensor). Allows you to determine the state of the vessel, its anatomical features and defects, evaluate the blood flow, its qualitative and quantitative characteristics.
  • Triplex angiscanning of blood vessels- Volumetric color study of the vascular system. It is of the greatest value in preoperative examinations. Suitable for those patients who have a serious pathology of the arteries and veins of the lower and upper extremities.

Where can I do an ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities? The studies described above are available at any phlebology center or medical institutions that include the Department of Vascular Surgery.




Triplex angioscanning of blood vessels is of the greatest value in preparation for surgery

Preparation for ultrasound diagnostics of the lower extremities

This procedure does not require special preparation, diet, withdrawal of venotonics or other drugs that you take on an ongoing basis, etc. The usual hygienic procedures of the body and feet are welcome as preparation. The main preparation is to take a diaper (lay the couch) with you and remove the compression garment (if you wear one) before the examination.

Ultrasound diagnostics of pathological processes in the veins and arteries of the legs

Diseases of the venous system of the lower extremities require constant monitoring in order to timely determine the need for surgery or track the effectiveness of treatment.

There are no analogues in terms of safety, informativeness, harmlessness and accessibility to this method. Ultrasound of the vessels of the legs allows diagnosing the following pathologies with a high degree of certainty:

  • CVI - chronic venous insufficiency;
  • phlebothrombosis - blockage of a vein by a thrombus without inflammation of the vascular wall;
  • thrombophlebitis - blockage of a vein by a thrombus with inflammation of the vascular wall;
  • varicose veins;
  • acquired valvular insufficiency of the venous system of the lower extremities.

Only with the help of ultrasound it is possible to mark the veins before surgery. Any violations of arterial blood supply require diagnostic procedures, primarily ultrasound. The main ones are:

  • aortic pathologies;
  • thrombosis and embolism of arteries;
  • obliterating diseases (endarteritis and atherosclerosis) of the arteries;
  • Raynaud's syndrome;
  • HAN - chronic arterial insufficiency;
  • aneurysms of peripheral arteries, etc.

Transcription of ultrasound readings

In medicine, certain standardized methods have been adopted for recording the results of an ultrasound study of the vessels of the upper and lower extremities. A correct understanding of the record allows you to assess the degree of development of the disease, and the doctor to prescribe or correct the course of treatment.



Vessel Pulsation Index (PI) allows you to record lumen values

The main indicators are as follows:

  • blood flow velocity recorded during contraction and relaxation: maximum (Vmax) and minimum (Vmin);
  • index of peripheral resistance (resistivity, RI);
  • pulsation index - an indicator that characterizes the lumen of the vessel (PI);
  • thickness of the intima-media layer (intima and middle shell, TIM).

Ultrasound of the vessels of the legs allows you to identify pathology at the very beginning of its development. In some cases, if you change your lifestyle (adjust nutrition, add physical activity for people suffering from physical inactivity, get rid of bad habits), you can reverse or at least significantly slow down pathological vascular processes. The only competitor in the field of angiodiagnosis for ultrasound is angiography, but due to its trauma, invasiveness and complexity of execution, ultrasound scanning remains the preferred method of examination in most cases.

Ultrasound of the veins and blood vessels is an ultrasound method that is used to assess the state of the valve apparatus and the blood flow of the vessels of the lower and upper extremities. Ultrasound scanning of veins allows early diagnosis of varicose veins, vascular thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis and other vascular pathologies.

The benefits of vascular ultrasound include:

  • Painless and non-invasive procedure;
  • Harmlessness and safety (may be given to pregnant women, children and the elderly);
  • Lack of prior preparation;
  • High information content (unlike X-ray, it allows you to study the condition of soft tissues and detect the presence of blood clots);
  • The minimum number of contraindications.

Indications and contraindications for ultrasound

An examination of the vessels of the upper extremities is prescribed in the following situations:

  • Numbness of hands;
  • Tortuosity of the veins;
  • Pain along the vessels;
  • Weakness in the muscles;
  • Swelling of the upper limbs;
  • Change in skin color;
  • Suspicions of thrombosis, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis;
  • Hand injury with vascular injury;
  • Postponed surgical interventions on the veins of the upper extremities.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities is prescribed in the presence of such indications:

  • The appearance of protruding, pronounced veins under the skin;
  • Swelling of the legs;
  • Cramps in calves;
  • Changing the shade of the skin (the skin becomes pink, pink-purple, brown);
  • Itching of the skin in the absence of dermatological pathologies;
  • Tingling, numbness of the lower extremities;
  • The occurrence of trophic ulcers on the legs;
  • Suspicions of the development of diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, post-thrombophlebitic syndrome.

Ultrasound of the vessels of the extremities in the diagnosis of diseases allows us to assess the severity of the disease, the level of spread of the pathological process, determine the tactics of therapeutic intervention and the need for surgical intervention.

The procedure for ultrasound examination of veins has no absolute contraindications. There are a number of relative restrictions of a temporary nature:

  • The course of infectious and non-infectious inflammatory processes in the body;
  • Skin diseases on the arms, legs (ulcerative elements, wounds);
  • Acute conditions (asthma attacks, myocardial infarction, bleeding, epileptic seizures);
  • Burns of limbs;
  • Exacerbation of mental illness.

The specifics of the ultrasound of the vessels

Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the extremities does not require special training. With an ultrasound of the hands, the patient removes clothes to the waist and possible jewelry. Having applied a special gel to the area of ​​study, the doctor applies an ultrasonic sensor to the hand in the projection of the vessels, with the help of which it studies the characteristics of blood flow and the condition of the venous walls. If necessary, the procedure is repeated on the second hand.

To undergo an ultrasound of the lower extremities, the patient needs to undress to underwear below the waist and lie on the couch on his back. After visualizing the vessels from the front, the patient turns over on his stomach and the doctor examines the limbs from the back. In some situations, ultrasound of the vessels of the legs is performed in a standing position. The duration of the procedure varies from 40 minutes to an hour.

You can sign up for an ultrasound examination of blood vessels in Moscow on our website. Ultrasound of the veins is performed around the clock and seven days a week - call the indicated numbers at any convenient time.

An ultrasound examination of the vascular system of the legs means a procedure for examining the anatomy of the veins and arteries, assessing their functioning, the condition of the valves and the characteristics of blood flow. The technique makes it possible not only to find out why blood circulation suffers in a particular part of the vessel, but also to identify inflammation or blood clots. Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities is an important procedure for diagnosing existing problems and helps in planning the right treatment.

To study the vessels of the lower extremities, a procedure is used, which is based on the Doppler effect. In medicine, it means the reflection of ultrasonic radiation from red blood cells flowing through the vessels.

As a result of a Doppler examination, the doctor gets an idea about the features of the passage of the vascular cord, the speed of blood flow and other nuances of the functioning of the veins and arteries of the legs.

So, what are the types of research, and what do they show?

UZDG

The term “USDG” means “doppler ultrasound”. This is a technique commonly used for:

  • setting the patency of deep vascular collectors;
  • assessment of the state of superficial veins;
  • diagnostics of the state of valves, including valves of typical main components of the venous system, that is, vein perforators.

USDS

Duplex scanning combines the principles of Doppler and conventional examination methods and performs the following functions:

  • studies the operation of vein valves in real time;
  • makes it possible to assess the condition of the vascular walls;
  • allows you to analyze the patency of deep and superficial veins;
  • calculates the presence and localization of blood clots.

Technologically, the method remains the most popular and accurate way to evaluate the work of the venous system in all respects.

Online Scan

Scanning in online mode is a complex that combines ultrasound and ultrasound. It is intended to determine:

  • condition of the walls of arteries and veins;
  • valve health assessments;
  • patency of vascular collectors;
  • conditions of the veins connecting superficial vessels with deep ones;
  • the presence of blood clots and their characteristics, including size and location;
  • the degree of occlusion of the vessel.

Ultrasound with color mapping

The most modern method of studying the veins and arteries of the legs, it is distinguished by the color selection of the speed of blood flow in different areas. For example, shades of red characterize the flow of blood to the sensor, and blue tones characterize the flow directed away from the sensor.

Important! The brighter the color, the faster the blood flow.

In modern diagnostics of arterial-venous pathologies, the popularity of this method is growing due to its high information content and simplicity.

Training

When referring to ultrasound of the veins and arteries of the legs (as well as others, as a rule), there is no need to carry out preliminary preparation for the procedure - it is not required.

How do they do it?

How is the diagnosis of deep veins and arteries of the legs performed?

Video 1. The procedure for ultrasound diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Ultrasound examination of the vessels is as follows:

  1. The patient enters the ultrasound diagnostic room, provides the doctor with a referral and frees the veins of the lower extremities. That is, he takes off his tights or trousers, remaining in his underwear. The diagnostician applies a little bit of conductive gel to the legs, which will provide better adhesion of the sensor to the skin surface.
  2. During the manipulation, the doctor can change the frequency of the sensor for better visualization of deep vessels, but the patient will not feel it.
  3. The difference between ultrasound is that during the examination, the doctor will measure the pressure in both the upper and lower extremities. During the procedure, the patient will change his position from sitting to lying down and vice versa.
  4. During the examination of the veins of the legs, they are first examined in the position of the patient lying down, then he will be asked to stand up. In addition, as part of the survey special tests are carried out to determine the blood flow between superficial and deep vessels. The test consists in a deep breath, without interrupting which, you need to make a straining effort.
  5. The deep veins of the legs are examined in traditional and color modes. For a better examination, the patient is asked not only to perform stress tests, but also to palpate the areas of the veins with different intensity. Such tests (like the ultrasound itself) are performed in different positions: lying on your back or stomach, as well as standing.

Contraindications

In addition to indications for ultrasound of the vessels of the legs, there are contraindications.

Contraindications to duplex vascular examination are associated with the relatively long duration of the procedure - it takes about 40 minutes.

Photo 1. Thrombus on ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities.

It may turn out that this examination will be secondary and the study of adjacent tissues or internal organs will come to the fore.

Important! It is not necessary to conduct an ultrasound in the area of ​​​​the veins of the lower extremities if the skin is broken or affected.

The main contraindications to the study of blood vessels by the duplex method are:

  • acute infectious processes;
  • any diseases accompanied by open wounds on the skin at the location of the sensor;
  • burns;
  • emergency conditions;
  • mental illness that makes it impossible to carry out the procedure.
  • excessive fullness;
  • bloating;
  • cystitis and some diseases of the genitourinary system;
  • lymphostasis, causing severe swelling of the extremities.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the ultrasound method for studying limbs are:

  • absence of pain;
  • non-invasiveness, that is, the absence of punctures and other damage to the skin;
  • economic availability of the procedure;
  • ease of implementation;
  • no radiation or ionizing load;
  • linking the picture of the study to real time;
  • the ability to conduct a biopsy under ultrasound control;
  • good visibility of all soft tissue features;
  • the possibility of repeated repetition (for example, in the course of therapeutic therapy to monitor its effectiveness).

However, this innovative procedure also has negative points:

  • there is not enough data for a complete diagnosis;
  • an adequate assessment of small vascular formations is not always possible;
  • with atherosclerotic changes, the patency of the ultrasound wave may be impaired;
  • is not a substitute for angiography;
  • carried out on old equipment or with insufficient qualifications of the doctor, the procedure may have a low diagnostic value.

It is important to note that sonologists strongly recommend periodically examining blood vessels, especially for patients who, by virtue of their profession, spend a lot of time on their feet .

Also, arteries and veins need increased attention in patients with overweight and adherence to cigarettes. Timely prevention will help reduce the likelihood of developing vein diseases.

How much is the best place to do it?

It is best to contact the attending vascular surgeon, who will recommend a good specialist or tell you where and at what time he himself conducts ultrasound examinations.

In the conditions of the department of vascular pathologies, ultrasound can be done free of charge, as prescribed by the surgeon. For a fee, in the absence of a referral, ultrasound examination of the extremities is carried out in phlebological clinics or multidisciplinary medical centers. You can find out the cost of the survey from the administrator by phone or in person. But it is better to refuse to conduct ultrasound of blood vessels in the offices of small diagnostic points, where any organs are examined.

Reference! The price of ultrasound will depend on the characteristics of the procedure, on which vessels the patient needs to examine.

For example, with ultrasound of the legs, the price will be from 1300 to 3500 rubles, and duplex angioscanning will cost 800 - 5000 rubles, color scanning by the duplex method - from 900 to 6500 rubles. On average, the cost of examining the vascular parts of the legs using ultrasound will cost about 2 thousand rubles.

There are also portable ultrasound machines, so that ultrasound can be performed at home: this path, of course, requires specific knowledge. But still it is better to entrust this matter to a specialist.

Conclusion

Any patient, if indicated, can safely undergo angioscanning of blood vessels, because this manipulation is safe and painless. It does not require preparation and allows an hour after the start of the examination to know exactly how healthy the vessels are.

Symptoms such as heaviness and pain in the legs, swelling and a whole range of discomfort during prolonged walking or standing, as well as the appearance of protruding veins in the evening, are a direct indication of problems with the circulatory system of the lower extremities. At the first consultation, the doctor will need to clarify the degree of pathology in order to choose the right treatment. As in the case of any, one of the key diagnostic measures here is an ultrasound examination of the arteries and veins of the legs. So, when is it prescribed and what does ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities show?

Alas, the modern rhythm of life is not only technical progress, but also a decrease in the age of patients with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. For example, if earlier atherosclerosis of the vessels of the legs was a disease characteristic of the elderly, today its manifestations began to be detected in patients under 30 years of age.

Important! The reason for this frightening trend is a sedentary lifestyle, an abundance of bad habits and a commitment to unhealthy eating, which is often aggravated by hereditary predisposition.

Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities is indicated from a certain age as a preventive procedure and is also recommended for all those whose work involves prolonged standing. But there are signs that ultrasound becomes a necessity and does not require delay.

Video 1. Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities: indications. How do they do it?

What are the indications? It is necessary to examine the vessels of the legs immediately when:

  • noticeable swelling;
  • dilated veins, clearly visible at any time, and not only after exercise;
  • change in skin color on the leg area (more often the problem area becomes brown or purple);
  • the appearance of trophic ulcers;
  • frequent convulsions;
  • tingling or numbness in the extremities;
  • itching, although skin diseases are excluded.

Doppler scanning of the vascular system of the legs becomes a good addition to ultrasound. It is shown at:

  • diabetes mellitus;
  • high cholesterol;
  • smoking;
  • pain in the legs, aggravated by walking;
  • pallor of the skin on the legs;
  • rapid freezing of the feet or legs in general;
  • muscle weakness of the lower extremities;
  • feeling that "goosebumps" periodically run through the legs.

The veins of the hands also need timely diagnosis, but the indications here are somewhat different.

Photo 1. Ultrasound diagnostics of the arteries and veins of the legs.

You need to rush to ultrasound of the vessels of the hands if:

  • it happens that the hands “go numb”;
  • there is a feeling of weakness when you can’t take anything in your hand or clench your hand into a fist;
  • hands are constantly cold (even if only hands);
  • wounds, appearing on the hands, do not heal for a long time;
  • if the difference in pressure when measured on different hands is more than 20 mm.

Particular attention should be paid to this complex of symptoms for people suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus or heavy smokers.

What does the survey show?

The lower extremities are supplied with blood by a network of vessels divided into a triad of venous systems. They contain deep and superficial collectors of veins, which have a large number of bicuspid valves. These valves allow blood to move from bottom to top, in spite of gravitational forces.

The basis of the venous system is made up of deep vessels that are not visible to the eye even in people with thin legs and thin skin. A significant part of all blood (about 90%) flows through these vessels, and the walls differ from the structure of superficial veins by a small thickness of the muscle fiber.

Reference! Communication between the deep and superficial vascular systems is carried out by perforating veins, which are also called communicating veins.

Their number is approximately one hundred on each leg, and the function is to move blood from the bottom up. This movement is facilitated by the muscular work that occurs when the body is upright and the pressure generated in the right atrium.

Norms and decoding

Ultrasound results should be interpreted by a vascular surgeon or phlebologist, which can correctly analyze all the indicators and dimensions involved.

Photo 1. Ultrasound form: a sample protocol for diagnosing veins and arteries of the lower extremities.

Leg arteries

On ultrasound of the arteries of the legs, the doctor gets the opportunity to assess:

  • anatomy of each vessel;
  • vessel wall thickness (in conclusion, it can be designated as an “intima-media” complex - a study of the common carotid and common femoral artery as constant values);
  • vascular resistance parameters - they can be used to judge the presence of stenosis and the general patency of the arteries;
  • characteristic features of blood flow, depending on the phase of the heart (diastole or systole);
  • the speed of blood flow and the rapidity of its change.

In the study protocol must contain a description:

  1. The type of blood flow and its compliance with the norms.
  2. Maximum blood flow rate for each vessel (also checked for compliance with the table).
  3. PI - pulsation index, which is the ratio of the sum of all maximum speeds to the average speed. On the lower extremities should exceed the number 4.
  4. DF is the damping factor. Normally, it should fall between 1.15 and 1.48, lower values ​​​​indicate stenosis of the artery. It characterizes the ratio between the pulsation index in the far and near parts of the limb.
  5. Blood pressure parameters, each of the vessels has its own norms, in addition, the doctor must pay attention to the difference in pressure. Between different limbs, it should not exceed 20 units.
  6. LID (or malleolar-brachial index) - characterizes the ratio between the values ​​of pressure in the shoulder and ankle, should be about 1.0.
  7. RI or shoulder index - has its own standard for each vessel and characterizes the difference between the minimum and peak blood flow rates to the peak velocity of the femoral artery. Normally, it should be 1.0 - 1.2.
  8. The presence of stenosis and its volume in percent.
  9. The presence of plaques and their characteristics: mobility, location, uniformity of composition, complications.

Vienna

The ultrasound protocol of the veins of the lower extremities contains information about:

  • the state of each vein on the left and right;
  • connection of blood flow in the vessels with respiration;
  • susceptibility of collector vessels to compression;
  • wall stenosis;
  • the presence of blood clots;
  • consistency of venous valves;
  • the presence of pathology in the form of reflux;
  • localization of vein-perforators with a diameter of more than 3 mm, not performing their functions.

If a thrombus is detected, its parameters should be indicated in the study protocol.:

  • whether it blocks the venous lumen, and if so, by how much as a percentage;
  • it is mobile or has a parietal location;
  • what is its structure;
  • when touched with a sensor, does the clot change its position or remain motionless.

Based on the information received, a conclusion is issued to the patient, as a result of which only a vascular surgeon or a qualified phlebologist can give recommendations or prescribe treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth recalling once again that only a specialist can correctly interpret the results of ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities! You should not try to decipher the data received on your own: only a doctor can know how to correctly make a clarifying diagnosis or conduct treatment! Only he will be able to correctly assess the state of the vessels and further tactics for maintaining their health.

Anyone can be touched. In order to avoid further complications, to obtain a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, ultrasound of the lower extremities can be performed, which gives accurate results. Pain in the legs can be a symptom of a serious illness. From this article you will learn how ultrasound of the lower extremities is done. Photos will illustrate the process.

What could be the reasons?

Ultrasound examination of the legs is currently in demand among diagnostic methods. Its essence is quite simple: ultrasonic waves are used for examination, which help to give an objective assessment of the state of the vessels of the lower extremities.

Too energetic or, on the contrary, a sedentary lifestyle, uncomfortable shoes, bad habits - all this can be the beginning of vascular diseases. And this often causes a lot of discomfort. For this reason, disease must be fought.

Ultrasound of the lower extremities should be performed if there are any vascular disorders, namely:

  • detection of stars from small vessels or dilated veins on the skin of the legs;
  • numbness and a feeling of tingling;
  • pale feet;
  • muscle spasms of the back of the leg;
  • exhaustion of the lower extremities due to stress;
  • compression of the skin on the legs, its darkening and long-term non-healing trophic ulcers;
  • narrowing of the lower leg in size, changes in muscle strength, tone, hair growth;
  • a feeling of coolness in the legs and their rapid freezing, despite the normal air temperature;
  • the appearance of pain in the legs during movement, any load and at rest, which often indicates the need for ultrasound of the lower extremities;
  • blue fingers or the entire foot;
  • swelling of the legs, especially one-sided.

Advantages of Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the lower extremities makes it possible to examine the vessels with maximum clarity, without irradiating the patient, as well as the doctor. Due to the non-invasive focus, this procedure can be performed multiple times with the same patient.

Today, in private modern clinics, ultrasound is performed not only on the external veins of the legs, but also on the deep ones. The cost of such an examination is higher, but it can be used to prevent the formation of asymptomatic vascular diseases. And for sure, many are wondering: where to do an ultrasound of the lower extremities?

Ultrasound examination of the deep veins of the legs is far from being performed everywhere, since the manufacturers of the current technology have only recently introduced devices for such an examination into medical centers. When performing ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities, the price of the event will be directly determined by the qualifications of the attending medical staff, the level of depreciation and the cost of the medical equipment with which the procedure itself is carried out.

How is an ultrasound of the lower extremities done?

The process of examining the vessels of the legs is no different from a conventional ultrasound examination. A special gel is applied to the diseased limb, which is necessary for closer contact with the device. The duration of the ultrasound is no more than an hour. The event is completely painless. Only in certain cases additional injections are needed.

It is also completely unnecessary to prepare for an ultrasound examination of the blood vessels of the legs. The patient may not restrict himself in food before the examination and not stop taking daily medications.

Since the procedure takes a rather long period, the patient is allowed to eat something before the process itself, and this will not affect the results. You can wear a skirt or comfortable trousers.

The purpose of such an event

Ultrasound of the lower extremities always adheres to certain goals:

  • see the patency of the vessels, as well as the capacity of the entire venous system;
  • examine the general condition of tissues and veins;
  • check venous blood flow.

In order for the procedure for checking the vessels of the legs to give good results, the study must be performed in three positions: lying on your back, stomach and standing. You can watch how ultrasound of the lower extremities is done . The photo below shows the procedure.

What diseases can be found out after ultrasound?

The event of examining the blood vessels of the legs helps to determine many different ailments:

  1. Persistent venous insufficiency.
  2. Phlebothrombosis (formation of blood clots in the deep venous system).
  3. Varicose disease.
  4. Valvular insufficiency of subcutaneous, perforating and deep veins.
  5. Thrombophlebitis (development of blood clots in external veins).

Where can you get tested?

In order to find out exactly where the ultrasound diagnosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities is performed, you should contact a vascular surgeon. The doctor can independently conduct it in a specialized center or a multidisciplinary clinic or advise a specialist in whom he has confidence. It is also possible to perform an ultrasound examination of the legs absolutely free of charge in the Department of Vascular Surgery of the Central State Hospital.

For a fee, you can go through an examination at the nearest phlebological center, finding out the price for the event by phone. The cost of such a diagnosis will depend on which particular blood vessels will be examined.

Now many have become aware of how and where ultrasound of the lower extremities is done. It remains only to decide on the place of its holding.

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