Arterial & Venous Lower Extremity Doppler

What is Arterial and Venous Lower Extremity Doppler?

The Arterial & Venous Lower Extremity Doppler is an ultrasound test used to check the blood flow of your arteries and veins in your lower extremities (leg, ankle and foot). Physicians can detect any abnormal flow through the arteries or veins, blood clots, and poor circulation through this test.

The test will be performed by capturing ultrasound images of the blood vessels of your legs, ankle or foot. To do so, a water-soluble gel is applied to a handheld device called a transducer. The device transmits high-frequency sound waves to the arteries and veins of your lower extremity.

The sound waves are echoed off the blood vessels, creating images of the blood flow. The physician will also place blood pressure cuffs around different areas of your body to monitor your blood pressure.

Why is a Lower Extremity Doppler performed?

The physician may advise you to take up the test if there are any signs of low blood flow, blood clot, or injury. It is also suggested if there are any plaques within the arteries, pain in the leg, ankle, heel, or skin discoloration. The test will help in diagnosing:

• Low blood circulation in lower extremity

• Blood clot

• Vascular tumor

• Any inflammation, narrowing, or hardening in the blood vessels

What are the risks involved?

There are no risks involved in arterial and venous lower extremity doppler tests. They are painless and do not take much time. You can resume normal activities once the test is completed. You have to refrain from smoking before the test as it can alter the test results.

What are the necessary preparations?

There is no specific preparation for the lower extremity doppler test. If you have a smoking habit, the physician will ask you to stop smoking for several hours before the test. You can also wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid any accessories in the examination area.