Arterial Duplex Scan

Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to “see” inside your body. An arterial duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to create a color map of the arteries in your legs to identify:

  • Narrowing of your vessels that may be causing leg pain when walking
  • Resting leg pain
  • Foot, ankle, heel or toe ulcers
  • Skin discoloration

Patient receiving an arterial duplex scan on her legs

San Tan Cardiovascular Center has a specialized team of physicians and technologists who are highly skilled in ultrasound technology.

Why would a doctor order this test?

This test is done as the first step to look at arteries and veins. Sometimes, arteriography and venography may be needed later.

The test is done to help diagnose:

  • Arteriosclerosis of the legs or arms
  • Blood clot(deep vein thrombosis – DVT)
  • Venous Insufficiency

The test may also be used to:

  • Look at injury to the arteries
  • Monitor arterial reconstruction and bypass grafts

A normal result means the blood vessels show no signs of narrowing, clots, or closure, and the arteries have normal blood flow.

Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Blockage in an artery by a blood clot
  • Blood clot in a vein (DVT)
  • Narrowing or widening of an artery
  • Spastic arterial disease (arterial contractions brought on by cold or emotion)
  • Venous occlusion (closing of a vein)
  • Venous reflux (blood flow going the wrong direction in veins)
  • Arterial occlusion from atherosclerosis

This test may also be done to help assess the following conditions:

  • Arteriosclerosis of the extremities
  • Deep venous thrombosis
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis

Considerations:

Quitting smoking lowers the risk for problems with the heart and circulatory system. Most smoking-related deaths are caused by cardiovascular problems, not lung cancer.

Arterial Duplex Scan at San Tan Cardiovascular Center

The test is done in our Mesa and Gold Canyon offices. The office will give you information about your specific test and preparations.

Cigarette smoking may alter the results of this test. Nicotine can cause the arteries in the extremities to constrict.

The technologist performing the test will need to press on the artery or vein to obtain certain information. Some people may feel slight pain or discomfort.

How do I get started?

Contact San Tan Cardiovascular Center today to make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers.

At this appointment:

  • we will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and perform a non-invasive, diagnostic test to further determine your medical condition,
  • any pertinent testing that needs to be done beforehand will also be ordered at this time.

Our billing department will then contact your health insurance company to obtain prior authorization.  Upon receiving insurance authorization, the test will be scheduled.