US DOPPLER VENOUS LOWER LIMB - LEFT

Venous Doppler ultrasound or US Doppler Venous Lower Limb is an imaging procedure that is performed without the use of needles or radiation. Instead, it uses sound waves and their echo to assess the flow of blood in the veins located in the lower parts of the body. It is commonly used for diagnosing and managing conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or varicose veins. 

What is US Doppler Venous Lower Limb? 

Blood flow through the veins is recorded using a method called Doppler ultrasonography in US Doppler Venous Lower Limb. This process includes the use of ultrahigh frequency sound waves that scan blood cells and other tissues to produce images and sounds based on the movement and flow of blood. 

Using ultrasound scanners, which are linked to transducers or small probes, the test is conducted. The probes are placed on the leg and the transducer emits sound waves that help in deriving images and flow signals. 

Types of US Doppler Venous Lower Limb

There are several types of Doppler venous imaging, but these are the two most important types of US Doppler venous lower limb: 

Duplex ultrasound- this method uses both high frequency sound waves or ultrasound and normal Doppler high frequency sound waves to assess blood flow and veins. 

Colour Doppler ultrasound: This test utilizes Doppler ultrasound to produce images with colours that represent the direction and velocity of the bloodstream. 

During the exam the following aspects are considered: 

• The speed of blood circulation and its course. 
• The vein's capacity and ability to be compressed. 
• Blot clot or thrombi presence. 
• The presence of spider veins or varicosities.

These are the most common reasons why the US Doppler Venous Lower Limb could be ordered: 

• Assessment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 
• Examination of spider veins and varicosities. 
• Surveillance of thrombi or blood clots. 
• Determine the venous insufficiency status. 
• Determine the status of leg pains or Edema. 

When and Who Needs to Take a US Doppler Venous Lower Limb? 

A US Doppler Lower limb’s veins can be taken for individuals who have recently developed symptoms of Deep vein Thrombosis (DVT). These symptoms include but are not limited to: 

• Pain, swelling, or discoloration of a deep vein in the leg 
• Diabetes types 1 or 2 (especially if advanced) 
• Varicosities (veins that are swollen and milky white or bluish in colour) or spider veins 
• Blood clots or stroke history 
• Immobility or issues such as being on a bed rest 
• Family history of stroke or Type 2 diabetes with advanced varicosities 
• Upon limb amputation or severe trauma 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Advantages that the US Doppler Venous Lower Limb has are: 

• Simple and painless. 
• Zero radiation risks. 
• Almost complete specificity and sensitivity to venous conditions such as cramps or other obstructive venous conditions. 
• These procedures can be carried out on patients with certain medical conditions which are contraindicated in other imaging methods. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with US Doppler Venous Lower Limb

These are the indications for US Doppler Venous Lower Limb: 

• DVT 
• Varicosities and spider veins. 
• Blood thrombosis or venous thrombi. 
• Chronic venous insufficiency. 

Before undergoing the test, patients are required to do these 

• Take off any jewellery and clothing that can hinder proper testing 
• Refrain from applying lotions or oils on the skin 
• Get ready to lie still and follow the instruction of the technician during the test 

Pre-requisites 

For the US Doppler Venous Lower Limb, there are no specific pre-requisites, however, patients might be asked to do the following: 

• Refrain from eating for certain hours before the test 
• Not smoke or have any caffeine prior to the test 

Best Time to Take the US Doppler Venous Lower Limb 

The best time to perform the test is whenever best for the patient, but it’s helpful if the patient can sit quietly and relaxed. 

Eligibility: The US Doppler Venous Lower Limb is primarily recommended to patients exhibiting symptoms of venous disease or those with a high tendency of thrombus formation. Certain candidates that have bone imaging abnormalities from other medical conditions like kidney diseases or heart conditions may be imaged through other modalities. 

Procedure for Taking a US Doppler Venous Lower Limb 

The steps to perform the test include: 

1. The patient is placed on the examination couch or table in a supine position. 
2. The technician puts a clear gel over the lower leg region of the skin. 
3. The ultrasound machine is switched on after placing the transducer on the skin surface. 
4. The technician moves the transducer to get proper views of the veins and blood vessels in motion. 
5. The exam can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes based on the individual case’s level of intricacy. 

Caution Before Taking Test: 

Patients should: 

• Inform the technician of all medical conditions and allergies history 
• Refrain from any form of speech or movement throughout the examination 
• In case they do, the technician must be given clear instructions to follow through the process of executing the test