Lower Extremity Venous Duplex Ultrasound is done to evaluate the deep and superficial veins of the lower extremities for intraluminal thrombosis (clots).
Indications:
- Leg pain, swelling and/or discoloration
- History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmery embolsis (PE)
- Suspicion of pulmonary embolism (shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain)
- Unexplained fever
- Follow up for patients with known venous thrombosis near the anticipated end of anticoagula tion to determine if residual venous thrombosis is
Risk factors:
- Surgery
- Family history
- Prolonged immobility: bed rest/long trips
- Age
What is involved?
You will be asked to lie on an exam table. Gel will be placed on the skin of your leg over the veins being tested. The technologist will apply a warm gel and a transducer (a small wand) will be used to examine your veins. As the transducer moves back and forth, it sends the information to the computer that produces the images the technician can view and record on a screen. The test will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.