Indications:
- Absent peripheral pulses
- Arterial trauma
- Exercise related limb pain
- Limb pain at rest
- Extremity ulcers/gangrene
- Digital cyanosis, ischaemia or cold sensitivity
- Arteriovenous fistula assessment
- Arteriovenous malformation
- Assessment of the radial artery prior to coronary bypass surgery
- Known vascular disease
- Follow-up limb revascularisation
PLEASE NOTE: If thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is suspected, this is an ADDITIONAL study and requires a further 30-45 minutes, to assess the veins and arteries in provocative manoeuvres. Please mention this at the time of booking the ultrasound appointment.
Contraindications and limitations:
- Extreme arm girth (obesity, excessive musculature or extreme oedema)
- Site trauma such as open wounds in the scanning area
- Casts or dressings that cannot be removed
- Patients that cannot be adequately positioned.
Patient preparation:
- On the day of the ultrasound, refrain from applying oils or moisturisers to the upper limb
PLEASE BRING RELEVANT, PREVIOUS DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS AND ULTRASOUND WORKSHEETS TO YOUR ULTRASOUND AND DOCTORS APPOINTMENT
What to wear:
Loose-fitting clothes, for example; loose-fitting top, sleeveless top.
Ultrasound study technique:
This is a non-invasive diagnostic study. The patient will lie on a bed, with the head of the bed slightly elevated for comfort, with the arm resting on the bed or on a pillow. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the clavicular region (collar bone) and the arm. An ultrasound probe will be run from the clavicular region, through to the axillar, down the arm to the wrist. The arteries will be assessed with ultrasound imaging, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler waveform velocity. If proximal disease is found, in the innominate or the subclavian artery, the neck region will also be assessed to determine if there is reverse flow in the vertebral artery, indicating vertebral steal. Images will be obtained, and the results documented on a worksheet.
Ultrasound study time:
30 – 45 minutes per arm
Results:
A worksheet can be available, if requested. A formal written report will be available within 24 to 48 hours, following the ultrasound examination, Monday to Friday. If the ultrasound findings demonstrate pathology, which may require urgent attention, the referring Doctor will be notified ASAP following the completion of the ultrasound.