‘Doppler ultrasound assessment’
This is a noninvasive test that can be used to measure your ‘blood flow’ and ‘blood pressure’ by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off circulating red blood cells. Regular ‘ultrasound equipment’ uses sound waves to produce images, but often can’t show blood flow.
Doppler Vascular Evaluation
A Doppler vascular ultrasound produces images of blood flowing through the foot in order to identify blood clots, insufficient blood flow, blockages and determine the cause of peripheral artery disease. While similar to a traditional ultrasound procedure, a Doppler ultrasound allows doctors and patients to evaluate blood flowing through the blood vessels in real time.
Arterial Doppler
An arterial Doppler is often performed to evaluate blood flow in patients at risk for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which involves a narrowing of arteries in the legs or feet as a result of plaque build-up. While patients may not notice many symptoms, pain in the legs while exercising is often a sign of PAD. Doppler technology uses sound waves to detect blood flow and identify any differences in blood pressure within different areas of the arms and legs.
Venous Doppler – ( ‘Varicose Veins’ & ‘Vein thrombosis’ ).
A venous Doppler is a specialized ultrasound procedure that evaluates the veins in the foot in order to determine the cause of varicose veins and other vascular conditions, as well as plan out treatment of affected veins and identify blood clots, vessel narrowing, tumors and other abnormalities within the veins. Doppler technology allows the movement of blood through the veins to be viewed as well.
Some images of Doppler equipment.
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Latest technology now available.
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Foot Health Matters is a HCPC Registered Podiatry Practice in South Belfast. Northern Ireland BT10 0DR Tel: 028-90-611619.