Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound (Doppler imaging) can be used to diagnose a variety of arterial or venous conditions that impact blood flow, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm, inflammatory conditions, varicose veins or venous incompetence, or blood clots, also known as DVTs. Doppler is non-invasive which means the procedure does not require the use of needles or anesthesia. Unlike other imaging tests, ultrasound does not require radiation or contrast dye.

Carotid Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate the neck’s carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Gel will be applied to the skin of the neck, and a transducer will be placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate and listen to the blood flow in the arteries.

Venous Doppler ultrasound for DVT (clot) can be used to evaluate the veins that carry blood away from the legs or arms to ensure that there are no DVTs. Gel will be applied to the skin of the legs or arms, and a transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and evaluate flow it the veins. You will be provided the results of a DVT study prior to leaving the clinic. If you have a DVT, we will contact your physician for instructions on going to the local hospital for treatment.

Venous Doppler ultrasound for venous incompetence (reflux) can be used to determine if the valves of the veins that carry blood away from the legs are functioning properly to encourage blood to flow back to the lungs for oxygen instead of allowing backflow into the legs and ankles. When this happens, varicose veins may result which can lead to painful, swollen legs and fluid retention.

Arterial Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate the arteries that feed the arms and legs or abdominal organs with blood. Gel will be applied to the skin of the legs or arms or the abdomen, and a transducer will be placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and listen to the blood flow. Pressure measurements at your arms and ankles or wrists will also be obtained so that indices can be calculated.

Blood pressures are taken in the arms, at the ankles and in the toes to help diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). This is considered part of the Arterial Doppler test to assist in determining the degree of narrowing or blockage in the arteries. Often asked for if a person has leg pain with walking, for prescribing compression stockings and to assist with wound care.

Results of the vascular studies performed at our facility are interpreted by vascular surgeons from the Ottawa Hospital Vascular department.  Results generally take about 1 week unless you are sent for a DVT study or a request for urgent results has been made in advance.  For additional information please visit, FAQs or test preparation instructions.  We also have more information on general ultrasounds and echocardiogram ultrasounds.