Your doctor has requested an ultrasound to view and record the blood flow following your surgical graft procedure (bypassing diseased vessels with man-made material or healthy veins from your arms or legs). Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. This procedure uses color to map the blood flow to the graft area and can identify blood clots, narrowing or blockage of the vessel causing pain or limping. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound radiology.

There is no preparation for this procedure.

We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.

Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.

The vascular technologist will explain your exam and answer any questions you may have.

Your procedure will be performed with you lying on the examination table on your back with your hands at your sides or on your stomach.

The technologist will apply warm gel to your leg(s).

A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, will be placed over various locations on your leg(s).

You blood pressure will be taken at both your foot and your arm.

You will not feel any pain; however you will feel mild pressure from the transducer and blood-pressure cuff.

Soundwaves will bounce off the muscle tissue in your leg(s) and the blood moving in your arteries and graft. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer. A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electronic signals.

These images may be viewed immediately, or photographed for further study.

Additionally, you may hear unusual sounds as the technologist views and records the blood flowing through the veins and arteries in your leg(s).

Your exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

There are no post-exam instructions.

Your study will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

If you have any problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.

To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.