ARTERIAL COLOUR DOPPLER

What is an Arterial Doppler Ultrasound?

An Arterial Doppler Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and highly effective non-invasive imaging test that provides vital information about your circulatory health. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use this advanced technology to get a clear picture of the blood flow within your arteries. Think of it as a specialized arterial blood flow test that allows our specialists to see and hear how well blood is moving through your body, helping to diagnose conditions that could impact your well-being. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this important procedure.

Ultrasound

This technique uses high-frequency sound waves, which are inaudible to the human ear. A small, hand-held device called a transducer sends these waves into the body. The waves bounce off tissues and organs, returning to the transducer as echoes. A computer then translates these echoes into real-time images of your internal structures, in this case, your arteries.

Doppler

The Doppler component specifically measures moving objects. By bouncing sound waves off red blood cells, it can accurately measure the speed and direction of your blood flow. This creates the characteristic "whooshing" sound you might hear during the test.

Crucially, this entire procedure is completely free of radiation, making it an exceptionally safe method for evaluating your vascular system.

Types of Arterial Doppler Ultrasound

The principles of the test remain the same, but it can be applied to arteries in various parts of the body to investigate specific concerns. Common types include:

Lower Extremity Arterial Doppler

This is the most common type, frequently referred to as an arterial doppler test for legs. It examines the arteries in the legs and feet to diagnose PAD.

Upper Extremity Arterial Doppler

This test focuses on the arteries in the arms and hands to check for blockages or other conditions like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Carotid Doppler

This specifically examines the carotid arteries in your neck, which supply blood to the brain. It is crucial for assessing stroke risk. [Link to: Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Service Page]

Renal Doppler

This test evaluates blood flow to and from the kidneys, helping to diagnose conditions that could cause high blood pressure or kidney failure.

During the procedure, our highly trained radiologist and technologist are carefully evaluating several key parameters to assess the health of your arteries. They are looking for:

Blood Flow Velocity and Direction

Measuring how fast and in which direction blood is flowing. Abnormally high speeds can indicate a narrow area, while absent flow signifies a blockage.

Presence of Plaque (Atherosclerosis)

Identifying the buildup of fatty deposits and cholesterol on the artery walls. The test can determine the location and extent of this plaque.

Areas of Narrowing (Stenosis) or Blockage (Occlusion)

This is a primary focus of an ultrasound for artery blockage. The test precisely locates where an artery may be partially or completely obstructed.

Structure and Health of Artery Walls

Assessing the physical condition of the arteries for signs of weakness, aneurysms (bulges), or other abnormalities.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

In many lower extremity studies, blood pressure is measured at the ankles and arms. The ratio of these two readings (the ABI) is a simple but powerful indicator of Peripheral Artery Disease.

Doctors order this test for several critical diagnostic and monitoring purposes:

To diagnose Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This is the most common reason for performing an arterial doppler test for legs.

To identify the location and severity of arterial blockages

Pinpointing the exact problem area is essential for planning effective treatment.

To evaluate blood flow before or after surgery

Surgeons use it to assess arteries before placing a bypass graft or stent and to confirm the success of the procedure afterward.

To assess for blood clots (thrombosis) or aneurysms

The ultrasound can detect acute clots or dangerous bulges in the artery walls.

When and Who Needs to Take an Arterial Doppler Ultrasound?

Your doctor may recommend an Arterial Doppler Ultrasound if you are experiencing symptoms that suggest poor arterial circulation, particularly those related to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Common Symptoms Include

• Claudication: Pain, cramping, or aching in your legs (calves, thighs, or buttocks) that occurs during walking or exercise and subsides with rest.
• Numbness or Weakness: A feeling of weakness, coldness, or numbness in the legs or feet.
• Non-Healing Sores: Ulcers or wounds on your toes, feet, or legs that are slow to heal or do not heal at all.
• Changes in Skin Color: Paleness or a bluish tint (cyanosis) in the skin of your legs or feet.
• Shiny Skin or Hair Loss: Noticeable hair loss on your legs or shiny-looking skin.

Patient Groups Often Recommended for the Test

• Smokers or individuals with a history of smoking.
• Patients with diabetes.
• Individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol.
• People with a known family history of heart disease or vascular disease.
• Older adults, as the risk of PAD increases with age.

Some of the reasons of an ACD test are listed as:

The Arterial Doppler Ultrasound offers numerous benefits for both patients and doctors:

Non-Invasive Diagnosis

It provides a wealth of information about your vascular health without requiring any needles, injections, or surgery.

Radiation-Free

Its safety makes it suitable for repeated examinations to monitor a condition over time.

Guides Treatment

The detailed results help your doctor create the most appropriate treatment plan, from lifestyle changes and medication to more advanced interventions.

Prevents Complications

By detecting problems early, the test can help prevent serious complications of PAD, such as non-healing wounds or the need for amputation.

Illnesses diagnosed with Arterial Colour Doppler.

This versatile test is instrumental in diagnosing a range of vascular conditions, including:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Arterial stenosis (critical narrowing of an artery)
• Arterial occlusion (a complete blockage)
• Aneurysms (abnormal bulges in an artery wall)
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Buerger's disease
• Arterial blood clots

Preparation is simple and straightforward.

No Special Preparations

No special preparations like fasting are generally required.

Clothing

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to change into a medical gown to allow easy access to the area being examined.

Avoid Nicotine

It is advisable to avoid smoking or using any nicotine products for at least a few hours before your test. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, which could temporarily affect the results of the blood flow measurement.

Pre-requisites

You will typically need a doctor's referral or prescription to have the test performed. Please bring this with you, along with any previous medical reports or imaging results that might be relevant to your condition.

Best Time to Take the Test

There is no "best" time of day for the test itself. It can be performed at any time. Appointments at Cadabams Diagnostics are scheduled based on clinic availability and your convenience.

Eligibility

The Arterial Doppler Ultrasound is safe and suitable for virtually everyone. Its non-invasive, radiation-free nature means it can be performed on patients of any age, including pregnant women and those with medical implants like pacemakers or defibrillators.

Procedure for Taking an Arterial Doppler Ultrasound (The arterial doppler ultrasound procedure)

Knowing what to expect can help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your test. The arterial doppler ultrasound procedure is simple and painless.

Step 1: Preparation

You will be asked to lie down comfortably on an examination table. The technologist will explain the procedure and ensure you are positioned correctly.

Step 2: Gel Application

A clear, water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area being studied (e.g., your leg or neck). This gel helps eliminate air pockets between the skin and the transducer, ensuring clear transmission of the sound waves.

Step 3: Imaging

The technologist will press a small, hand-held transducer firmly against your skin and move it along the path of your arteries. You will feel some light pressure, but it is not painful.

Step 4: Listening to Blood Flow

As the transducer captures images, it will also record the Doppler signals. You will hear "whooshing" or "pulsing" sounds from the machine. This is the sound of your blood flowing through your arteries and is a normal part of the test.

Step 5: Blood Pressure Measurements (if needed)

For a lower extremity exam, the technologist will likely place blood pressure cuffs on your arms and ankles to measure your Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). The cuffs will inflate and deflate, just like a routine blood pressure check.

The entire procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity and the number of areas being examined.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Please inform the technologist before the test begins if you have any open sores, surgical wounds, or areas of extreme tenderness or pain. They will take special care to work around these areas to ensure your comfort.