Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex
What is an Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex?
An Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex Scan is an ultrasound image of the arteries or arterial bypass grafts in the upper portion of the body from the subclavian arteries (major arteries of the chest below the collar bone or clavicle) to the wrist. Arteries are the vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Why is an Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex done?
An Upper Extremity Arterial Ultrasound gives doctors information about the arteries in
the arms. Such as:
- The blood flow through the arteries
- The presence of plaque, a sticky substance that clings to the arterial wall that can cause narrowing within the arteries
- The possibility of graft placement for dialysis candidates.
What can I expect during the Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex?
A clear gel will be placed on your arms, and the technologist will scan your arteries with a transducer (a microphone-like device) that will show pictures of the arteries and listen to the blood flow within.
When will I know the results of the Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex?
Your doctor will review the findings of the Upper Extremity Arterial Ultrasound with you at your next office visit. Make sure that you have a follow-up appointment scheduled, as the results of this test cannot be given over the telephone.