Why do I need to have a vascular evaluation?
What is ultrasound?
What occurs during a vascular evaluation?
Who will perform the exam?
Will it be painful? Is it safe?
How long will the exam take?
How should I prepare for the exam?
What will I need to bring to my appointment?

Why do I need to have a vascular evaluation?

»   Your doctor has determined that one of our noninvasive vascular evaluations would be beneficial to provide information about your blood vessels and about the way blood is passing through them. Your doctor's referral is based upon your symptoms and physical exam.

What is ultrasound?

»    Ultrasound is like ordinary sound except it has a frequency higher than humans can hear. It is emitted from a probe resting on the patient's skin and is reflected off internal structures, like blood vessels, back to the probe. The returning signals are then converted by the ultrasound system into an image of the blood vessels and/or representation of blood flow which are viewed on a video screen. These continually changing images are recorded in real time on videotape for later review by an associate physician.

What occurs during a vascular evaluation?

»    The technologist will obtain a brief medical history and perform an appropriate physical exam which will usually include checking pulses, listening with a stethoscope and taking blood pressures. The technologist will have you lie on an examination table and position you to allow for optimal access and visulaization of the blood vessels of interest. An ultrasound probe (also called a transducer), along with gel, will be applied over the skin and manipulated to obtain images of the blood vessels and to assess blood flow. The technologist will be talking into a microphone throughout the test as the ultrasound data and the technologist's comments are being recorded on videotape for later review.

If you are undergoing evaluation for the lower extremity arteries (LEA), you may be asked to walk on a treadmill so that changes related to exercise can be evaluated.


If you are having a cerebrovascular evaluation (CVE) the technologist will use ultrasound to look at arteries in your neck and head to evaluate the blood flow to your brain.

If you are having a peripheral arterial or venous evaluation, (LEA, LEV, UEA or UEV), ultrasound will be used to evaluate blood flow in your legs and/or arms.

If you have been referred for one or more of the abdominal vascular evaluations, ultrasound will be used to evaluate blood flow to your abdominal organs.

Who will perform the exam?

»   A professionally trained and certified Registered Vascular Technologist will perform your examination. Pacific Vascular has trained technologists since 1974. Each technologist is tested and certified through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Will it be painful? Is it safe?

»    There is no pain involved in a noninvasive vascular evaluation, although you may experience discomfort if you have swelling or tenderness in the area to be examined. There are no known harmful effects associated with the use of ultrasound. Studies in humans have revealed no direct link between the use of diagnostic ultrasound and any adverse outcomes.

How long will the exam take?

»    The average vascular evaluation takes approximately one hour. However, depending on the findings, the test may take a little longer.

How should I prepare for the exam?

»   No prior preparation is necessary for a cerebrovascular evaluation (head and neck) or a peripheral venous evaluation (arms or legs). If you are having a peripheral arterial (legs) or abdominal vascular evaluation, you should not have food or drink (except water and any medication) for eight hours prior to your appointment time. This is due to the inability of ultrsound to penetrate abdominal gas which is produced as you digest food. (Please note that diabetic patients are exempt from this and should eat and drink as usual). Our schedulers will inform you if, and for how long, you should fast when you call to make an appointment.

What will I need to bring to my appointment?

»   Please bring your referral slip signed by your doctor, and any insurance information.