Why is USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery and Venous Study Done?
Doctors recommend USG Doppler of Upper/Lower Limb Artery and Venous system to evaluate symptoms such as:
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Persistent pain, cramps, or numbness in arms or legs
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Cold or discolored limbs
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Non-healing wounds on extremities
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Swelling or suspected varicose veins
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Screening for peripheral artery disease
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Monitoring vascular surgery or stent outcomes
This scan helps identify blood clots, arterial narrowing, plaque buildup, or poor circulation. It is an essential diagnostic tool for patients with diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, or smoking habits, which increase vascular risk.
Benefits of USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery R/L
The USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery R/L offers multiple benefits:
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Non-invasive and radiation-free diagnostic test
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Detects arterial blockages and venous clots at early stages
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Helps plan vascular surgeries or medical treatment
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Monitors blood flow post-surgery or stenting
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Improves management of PAD, DVT, or chronic venous insufficiency
The test gives a clear view of how well blood circulates through the arteries and veins, allowing timely medical decisions. Patients at risk of stroke, heart disease, or leg ulcers can also benefit greatly from this scan.
How is USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery Test Performed?
Procedure:
The patient lies comfortably on an examination couch. A water-based gel is applied to the area being examined—arms or legs. A transducer (ultrasound probe) is moved gently over the skin to capture blood flow images. The study usually takes 20–40 minutes per limb.
Preparation:
No fasting or injections are needed. Patients should wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid applying lotions before the test.
Safety:
The test is completely safe, with no known side effects. It does not use ionizing radiation and can be repeated if required for follow-up.
Parameters Measured in USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery
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Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV): Measures blood speed during heart contraction.
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End Diastolic Velocity (EDV): Assesses residual blood flow between beats.
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Resistive Index (RI): Indicates resistance to flow within vessels.
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Waveform Analysis: Helps identify stenosis, occlusion, or turbulence in flow.
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Color Flow Mapping: Visualizes direction and quality of circulation.
These values allow doctors to assess arterial health, compare left vs right limbs, and diagnose vascular conditions early.
Conclusion
USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery R/L is a vital screening tool to evaluate peripheral circulation and detect vascular disorders accurately. The combination of arterial and venous Doppler provides a complete vascular assessment.
Timely diagnosis using this test can prevent serious complications like limb ischemia or chronic venous disease.
Regular checkups with USG Doppler Upper/Lower Limb Artery and Venous studies are recommended for people with vascular risk factors or symptoms affecting limb circulation.