Ultrasonography

Why is an ultrasound examination so important and what information is gained from it?

Ultrasound utilizes sound waves that are emitted through a hand-held probe placed on the skin. A gel is used for better skin contact and eliminates air that often interferes with the transmission of sound waves. These sound waves pass through the tissues beneath the probe and are bounced back from these structures. Tissues such as bone, blood (fluid), fat, and muscle have different densities and composition resulting in typical patterns specific to each. The reflected sound waves or echos are picked up by the probe and displayed as images on a monitor screen.

Ultrasound is an invaluable tool in both the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease of the lower extremities. Information supplied by the ultrasound study includes size and location of blood vessels, including veins, and the dynamic direction of blood flow within the veins. The end result for a patient receiving an ultrasound examination is a map of the venous pattern of blood flow that details the sources and extent of the abnormal flow. This information is necessary in order to plan appropriate treatment.

The outpatient minimally invasive treatment techniques of laser and radiofrequency ablation of abnormally functioning veins would not be possible without ultrasound technology, making it an invaluable tool at Dallas Vein Specialists.