The most common reason for a venous ultrasound exam is to search for blood clots, especially in the veins of the leg. This condition is often referred to as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. These clots may break off and pass into the lungs, where they can cause a dangerous condition called pulmonary embolism. If the blood clot in the leg is found early enough, treatment can be started to prevent it from passing to the lung. A venous ultrasound study is also performed to:
Find blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
Determine the cause of long-standing leg swelling. In people with a common condition called varicose veins, the valves that keep blood flowing back to the heart in the right direction may be damaged, and venous ultrasound can help the radiologist decide how best to deal with this condition.
Map out the veins in the leg or arm so that pieces of vein may be removed and used to bypass a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. An example is using pieces of vein from the leg to surgically bypass narrowed heart (coronary) arteries.
Examine a blood vessel graft used for dialysis if it is not working as expected; for example, the graft may be narrowed or blocked.
Diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pain, swelling, edema, postpartum or postsurgical
There is no required prep for this exam. The technologists may ask you to wear a gown or shorts to allow them to scan you efficiently.
Please identify Arm or Leg and R/L or Bilateral.
93970 Bilateral
93971 Unilateral
If you have any questions or concerns about your procedure, feel free to call us at 203.245.7351 or contact us online.