Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your leg veins. Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. This procedure is performed to evaluate symptoms including leg pain or swelling, excessive varicose veins, shortness of breath, or suspected blood clots in your legs and/or lungs. AT Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound radiology.
There is no preparation for this procedure.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
The vascular technologist will explain your exam and answer any questions you may have.
Your procedure will be performed with you lying on the examination table on your back with your hands at your sides or on your stomach.
The technologist will apply warm gel to your leg(s).
A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, will be placed over various locations on your leg(s).
You will not feel any pain; however you may feel mild pressure from the transducer as the technologist needs to apply pressure to your veins at various locations on your leg(s).
Soundwaves will bounce off the muscle, tissue and blood moving in your legs. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer.
A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electronic signals. These images may be viewed immediately or photographed for further study.
Additionally, you may hear unusual sounds as the technologist views and records the blood flowing through the veins and arteries in your leg(s).
Your exam will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
There are no post-exam instructions.
Your study will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have any problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
