What Is a Leg Arterial Sonogram?
A sonogram is a type of diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of the interior of the body. Sonograms are particularly effective for creating crisp, clean images that can be used to diagnose issues with soft tissue, such as arteries.
A leg arterial sonogram is used to pinpoint the cause of issues that are suspected to originate in the arteries of the leg. Each leg contains a number of large arteries, the biggest of which is the femoral artery. With a sonogram, a doctor can determine whether there is a blockage or damage.
Why Would You Need a Leg Arterial Sonogram?
A leg arterial sonogram is most typically performed when a doctor suspects that blood flow in a leg artery has been impeded. This presents with a wide variety of different symptoms, although pain that prevents ordinary use of the affected leg is a universal element.
A leg arterial sonogram can be performed on patients of any age or background. In general, most of the conditions that may make the procedure necessary become more likely with age. However, an accident or injury might make a sonogram a requirement of treatment at any time.
What is the Leg Arterial Sonogram Procedure?
A sonogram is a risk-free procedure that does not use radiation. Depending on the area to be imaged, it may require the application of blood pressure cuffs around various parts of the limb. These help make it easier to measure the difference in blood flow in different areas.
A specialized water soluble gel is applied to the area to be imaged. Then, an imaging wand called a transducer is waved back and forth over the leg to capture the images. There is no pain or discomfort associated with the imaging itself.
The whole process generally takes only a few minutes. The sonogram delivers black and white images of the leg, the artery of concern, and the surrounding area. Using these, your medical team can choose the best way to treat the artery.
What Are Symptoms Indicating You May Need a Leg Arterial Sonogram?
A leg arterial sonogram is most commonly required when a patient reports symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, a condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks the normal flow of blood in a vein. A burning, throbbing ache, typically confined to one leg, may indicate a problem.
A blood clot can occur virtually anywhere in the body, but the arteries of the legs are at significant risk, particularly if the patient has risk factors like obesity or specific health conditions. Using a leg arterial sonogram, the doctor can discover the exact location where blood flow is impeded and find the clot.
Other issues can prompt a leg arterial sonogram, such as trauma to the leg where arterial damage must be diagnosed before treatment can be applied. Whatever the case, a leg arterial sonogram helps ensure that the treatment matches the specific situation to be cared for.
Treatment for a Leg Arterial Sonogram
The treatment that follows a leg arterial sonogram depends upon the problem discovered in the imaging process. In general, blood clots can be treated through the use of medication, including blood thinners. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
An accurate leg arterial sonogram is an important first step in a course of treatment for a serious leg vein issue. It’s important that it be performed under the leadership of an experienced physician who understands how to collect and interpret sonogram data effectively.
With the right expertise, a leg arterial sonogram is convenient and effective.
To learn more, contact Heart Vein NYC today.
