Innovative ultrasound technologies offer healthcare professionals enhanced visualization of the inside of the human body. Doppler ultrasound is a stand-out leader in the industry that provides portability, cost-effectiveness, and continual technological improvement. For this reason, Doppler ultrasound is a competitive form of modern-day imaging used for vascular studies.

Physicians who believe their patients to have a venous or arterial disorder may order a diagnostic exam that helps determine the health problem at hand—and how severe the current or future effects may be. Vascular Dopplers are strategic testing tools that provide valuable data concerning a patient’s blood flow and vessel anatomy.

Let’s take a closer look at the power and potential of this beneficial ultrasound process and what exactly the medical results can reveal. Read on to learn more about the seven medical issues vascular Dopplers can detect.

The Basics of Vascular Testing

The term vascular refers to anything relating to, affecting, or consisting of blood vessels. In the medical field, vascular testing is critical for ensuring a person’s heart, arteries, and veins function well together to circulate blood efficiently throughout the body. Proper examination of this circulatory system can save lives.

Alongside recognizable physical symptoms, vascular studies check for any internal visual signs that may reveal irregularities in blood flow in the veins or arteries of the legs, arms, or neck. You’ll find several diverse types of vascular studies used by doctors today, including vascular ultrasound. The best testing method depends on the patient’s symptoms alongside the healthcare provider’s understanding of the potential health problem.

How Does Doppler Ultrasound Work?

Testing involving the use of a vascular Doppler is painless and non-invasive. This category of ultrasound imaging records high-frequency sound waves that reflect off circulating blood cells to create images of vessels, tissues, and nearby organs. These devices can identify the speed and other aspects of blood flow by measuring the frequency’s rate of change.

With such advanced technology, providers are able to better detect abnormalities and accurately diagnose medical conditions or issues. Which ones? Here is a list of the most common types of medical issues vascular Dopplers help detect.

Blood Vessel Damage or Trauma

Vascular trauma is a medical occurrence that can happen to any individual, intentionally or unintentionally. A damaged blood vessel is often a result of an accident or injury that tears, punctures, twists, or crushes the vessel. The consequential trauma can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, vascular Dopplers have the sensitivity and specificity to quickly detect the status of your veins or arteries and identify if conditions are normal or abnormal.

Blood Vessel Tumors

Doppler ultrasound is a vital tool for the early detection of anomalies in a patient’s blood vessels. Healthcare providers can conveniently examine blood flow and vascular structures for complications that may result from benign or malignant vascular tumors in the arms, legs, or other body parts. After capturing images for diagnosis, physicians can also monitor changes in arterial flow patterns or speeds while applying treatment methods.

Blood Clots: Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT is a serious medical condition resulting from injury, surgery, physical inactivity, or certain medications. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot located deep in the body that impedes circulation. Deep vein blood clots generally form in the lower leg, thigh, or upper hip regions but can also form in different areas throughout the body. This dangerous clot either partially or completely blocks blood flow in a major vein. Healthcare professionals can use vascular ultrasound-based imaging results to identify this blockage and reduce the risk of a life-threatening pulmonary embolus.

Poor Functioning Valves: Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a medical condition that occurs due to the inadequate functioning of vein walls or valves. CVI blocks blood flow that should go up into the heart, causing the blood to flow backward into the lower extremities. Untreated venous insufficiency can painfully break down tissue and cause swelling or skin changes. To evaluate valve function, a healthcare provider can take advantage of a vascular ultrasound imaging test to examine the direction of blood flow and the structure of veins in the legs.

Blocked Arteries: Arterial Occlusion

Arterial insufficiency occurs when the arteries of the body become narrowed over time and slow down blood flow. Veins that become too narrow will block circulation and cause occlusion. Arterial occlusion is a more serious health issue that stops blood flow in leg arteries. If the blood flow to the leg, foot, or toe becomes completed blocked, the tissue in these lower extremities will die. Ergo, Doppler ultrasonography scanning is valuable for detecting vascular occlusion and restoring proper flow as soon as possible.

Bulging Arteries or Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a weak, balloon-like bulging area in the wall of an artery. These bulging arteries are silent threats that can become serious medical emergencies. Aneurysms that grow too large reduce blood flow and may erupt and rupture the blood vessel. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of this condition until its life-threatening. However, if clinically suspected, healthcare providers can identify the presence of a bulging artery deep inside the body using Doppler ultrasound technology and continue to use this imaging for monitoring.

Decreased Blood Circulation: Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease is a form of arterial insufficiency caused by plaque build-up in the arteries. This vascular disease occurs when narrowed or hardened blood vessels hinder healthy blood flow to the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet. If left untreated, the issue worsens until blood can no longer flow freely. Healthcare professionals can rely on Doppler ultrasound screening to evaluate blood flow through the feet and ankles for diagnosis.

The Latest Doppler Ultrasound Imaging Developments

Any of these mentioned issues pose a serious threat to cardiovascular health. Facilities that use vascular Dopplers can properly examine the risks and determine the best course of action for their patients. The state-of-the-art handheld vascular Dopplersavailable to modern healthcare providers offer boosted visualization of smaller blood vessels, circulation direction, leakage, and vessel width—not to mention greater sensitivity to slowed blood flow.

Look no further than Cascade Health for professional Doppler equipment and gear from leading industry manufacturers. Our variety of high-grade Doppler ultrasounds for healthcare professionals is suitable for any facility’s applications. Browse our selection for your general or specialty screening needs.