October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 | Revised: December 5, 2019
During October the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) has been celebrating Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month to increase the public’s knowledge about this diagnostic tool.
Why Does MVCS Use Vascular Ultrasound?
Approximately 90% of people with varicose veins visible on the skin surface have a problem in one or more of the veins below the surface. That means, that the extent of the problem and the best treatments can’t be determined just by looking at your legs.
How Does Vascular Ultrasound Work?
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, uses high frequency sound waves to generate pictures inside the body and those images are captured in real time.
Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive test which is used to evaluate the structure and function of veins. The test is performed by rubbing a probe over the skin surface. Sound waves are transmitted from the probe, through the soft tissues and back to the probe.
The machine transforms the waves that return into an image displayed on the screen. In addition to showing the structure and location of blood vessels, it shows how blood is flowing through them. Combining both the picture and the flow information is called “Duplex” ultrasound.
This type of ultrasound exam has become the standard of care in evaluating patients for vein problems and guiding minimally invasive treatments of venous disease.
What You Can Expect
At Michigan Vein Care Specialists, we perform a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation of each patient who has symptoms related to venous disease. This is done in our office, typically during the initial consultation visit. Lisa Clouse, our registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) performs these studies, which are immediately interpreted by Dr. Jones. The results are then explained to the patient and any treatment recommendations are made based on those results.
“We try to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible for our patients,” says Dr. Jones. “Our ability to perform ultrasound in our office while they’re here for their initial consultation allows our patients to have all the information they need to make an informed choice about their care without making multiple trips.”
Dr. Jones explains the process: “Typically, I’ll spend a few minutes listening to what the patient’s concerns are and examining their legs. I’ll then order the appropriate type of evaluation based on what I’ve seen and heard. Once the ultrasound is done, I’ll complete their examination, discuss the results with them and explain their treatment options based on those results. People really appreciate leaving that appointment with a full understanding of what’s going on in their legs.”
Six Benefits of Vascular Ultrasound Scanning
- It’s Noninvasive and Usually Completely Painless
- Less Costly than Other Imaging Methods
- Available During Your Initial Visit
- Gives a Clear Picture of Soft Tissues
- Can be Repeated as Often as Necessary
- No Known Side Effects
Make an Appointment
If you have concerns about your leg veins, or are experiencing symptoms of heaviness, swelling, or discoloration in your legs, call Michigan Vein Care Specialists at 734-213-3700 today and schedule an appointment. If you prefer to schedule your consultation request online please use our simple online Appointment Request Form.
Remember that whether your goal is to have the best looking legs you can, the best feeling legs you can, or both, we’ll help you meet those goals.