Vascular & Doppler Ultrasound
Vascular and Doppler ultrasound at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Real-time assessment of blood flow through the arteries and veins, without radiation or injection. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
What Does a Doppler Ultrasound Measure?
Standard ultrasound shows the structure of a blood vessel. Doppler adds a second layer of information: it measures the direction and speed of blood moving through that vessel, in real time. Together they allow narrowing, blockage and abnormal flow to be identified without an injection or any radiation.
Vascular and Doppler ultrasound is used to assess:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs or arms
- Varicose veins and venous reflux, including mapping before treatment
- Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck
- Peripheral arterial disease affecting circulation to the legs
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm — screening and ongoing monitoring
- Blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal organs
- Dialysis fistula and vascular graft surveillance
- Blood flow following surgery or intervention
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, vascular studies are performed by experienced sonographers and reported by specialist radiologists.
Common Reasons for Referral
Your GP or specialist may refer you for a vascular ultrasound when circulation needs to be assessed, or when symptoms suggest a problem with an artery or vein.
Common reasons include:
- Leg swelling, calf pain or tenderness raising the possibility of a clot
- Varicose veins, aching legs or skin changes around the ankle
- Assessment of the carotid arteries following a TIA or stroke, or when a bruit is heard
- Leg pain on walking that eases with rest, cold feet, or a non-healing wound
- Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, particularly in men over 65
- Monitoring a known aneurysm over time
- Routine surveillance of a dialysis fistula or arterial graft
Urgent referrals can usually be accommodated on the same day. Please let our team know when you book if your referral is marked urgent.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
Most vascular ultrasound studies require no preparation. A small number do, and our team will confirm this with you when you book.
How to prepare:
- Leg, arm and carotid studies: no preparation and no fasting required.
- Abdominal aorta, renal artery and mesenteric studies: fast for six hours beforehand so bowel gas does not obscure the vessels.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. For leg studies you will need to undress to your underwear — a gown is provided.
On the day:
- You will lie on the examination couch. For some leg vein studies you may be asked to stand for part of the scan.
- Warm gel is applied and the probe is moved along the course of the vessel.
- You will hear pulsing and whooshing sounds — this is the Doppler picking up blood flow and is completely normal.
- The scan takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is painless.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor within 24 to 48 hours. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM