Vascular ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing help identify poor circulation, blocked arteries, venous valve problems, and other issues affecting blood flow in your legs. At Medical Vascular Partners, board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney use these painless, noninvasive tools to pinpoint the source of your symptoms and guide targeted, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs.
Overview
Vascular ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing are diagnostic tools used to evaluate blood flow in your arteries and veins. Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to create images that reveal narrowed blood vessels, blood clots, or valve malfunction. ABI testing compares the blood pressure in your ankle and arm to detect blood circulation issues and uncover early signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Together, these tests help your physician identify problems that may not be visible through a physical exam alone.
Vascular Ultrasound & ABI Testing Identify
Vascular ultrasound and ABI testing help uncover problems affecting blood circulation in your arteries and veins. These tests provide essential insight into the causes of symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or non-healing wounds, allowing your physician to pinpoint the underlying issue. They can identify numerous conditions, including:
- Blocked or narrowed arteries that limit blood flow
- Venous insufficiency caused by malfunctioning vein valves
- Deep vein thrombosis or other blood clots
- Early signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Poor circulation contributing to non-healing ulcers
- Aneurysms or abnormal vessel structure
How Vascular Ultrasound & ABI Testing Work
Vascular ultrasound and ABI testing measure how well blood moves through your arteries and veins. By evaluating the structure of your vessels and the pressure of blood flow, your physician can detect early warning signs of vascular disease and determine an effective treatment plan.
Vascular Ultrasound
A vascular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of your veins and arteries. A small handheld device called a transducer glides over the skin, sending sound waves into the body and capturing their echoes as they bounce off vessels. This allows your physician to see how blood flows through each vessel, identify narrowed or blocked arteries, and detect problems with valves.
ABI Testing
An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test compares blood pressure readings in your arms and ankles using a blood pressure cuff and a Doppler ultrasound device. By measuring the pressure difference between the two areas, ABI testing reveals whether the arteries in the legs are narrowed or blocked. A lower pressure in the ankles often signals reduced blood flow from peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Advantages of Vascular Ultrasound & ABI Testing
These diagnostic tools provide a clear picture of your vascular health without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. By identifying circulation problems early, they help your physician create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms. Key advantages include:
- Accurate evaluation of blood flow in arteries and veins
- Early detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Identification of vein valve dysfunction and blocked vessels
- Noninvasive testing with no radiation exposure
- Real-time imaging and immediate clinical insights
- Guidance for choosing the most effective minimally invasive treatment
Is Vascular Ultrasound Painful?
No. Vascular ultrasound is completely painless and noninvasive. You may feel slight pressure from the handheld transducer as it moves across your skin, but there are no needles, incisions, or sedation involved. The procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting and allows you to resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Vascular Ultrasound & ABI Testing FAQs
How Long Do Vascular Ultrasound and ABI Testing Take?
Most appointments take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of areas being evaluated. Vascular ultrasound may take a bit longer when multiple blood vessels are assessed, while ABI testing is usually completed in just a few minutes.
Will I Need Any Special Preparation Before Testing?
In most cases, no preparation is needed. You may be asked to avoid applying lotions or oils to your legs on the day of your appointment, as these products can interfere with ultrasound imaging. You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual unless instructed differently.
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is committed to helping you understand your vascular health through clear diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments. Our double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists use vascular ultrasound and ABI testing to pinpoint circulation issues and create personalized plans that target the true source of your symptoms. If you are dealing with leg discomfort, swelling, or concerns about blood flow, schedule your consultation for vascular ultrasound and ABI testing in Austin, TX, today.
