Peripheral Arterial Disease Leg Doppler Ultrasound
Specialist arterial Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow through the arteries of the legs and investigate peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Tunica Diagnostics provides private leg artery ultrasound from our specialist vascular diagnostic clinic in Central London.
What is peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease, often shortened to PAD, is a condition in which blood flow through the arteries supplying the legs becomes reduced.
This is commonly associated with narrowing or blockage within the arteries and can reduce the amount of blood reaching the muscles and tissues of the lower limbs.
Some people with PAD develop pain or discomfort when walking, while others may experience cold feet, slow-healing wounds, reduced pulses or other signs of poor circulation.
An arterial Doppler ultrasound allows the arteries and blood flow in the legs to be assessed non-invasively and without ionising radiation.
When might a leg arterial Doppler scan be useful?
Arterial ultrasound may be requested when symptoms or clinical findings suggest reduced blood flow to the legs.
Leg pain when walking
Cramping, aching or discomfort in the calf, thigh or buttock that develops with activity can be associated with reduced arterial blood flow.
Poor circulation
Reduced circulation may be suspected when the feet or lower legs appear poorly perfused or arterial pulses are reduced.
Cold feet or legs
Persistently cold feet or a difference in temperature between the legs may be one reason for vascular assessment.
Slow-healing wounds
Reduced arterial blood flow can contribute to wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal.
Skin colour changes
Changes in skin colour or appearance may sometimes accompany reduced blood supply to the leg.
Abnormal vascular examination
Reduced pulses, an abnormal ABPI or other clinical findings may lead to further arterial ultrasound assessment.
What does a leg Doppler ultrasound check?
A leg arterial Doppler scan assesses the arteries supplying the lower limbs and the way blood flows through them.
Ultrasound imaging allows the arteries to be visualised, while Doppler techniques are used to assess the characteristics and speed of blood flow.
This can help identify areas where blood flow may be reduced because of arterial narrowing or blockage.
What happens during an arterial Doppler scan?
Leg arterial ultrasound is non-invasive and uses diagnostic ultrasound and Doppler techniques to assess the circulation.
Clinical history
Relevant symptoms and the reason for your arterial assessment are reviewed.
Ultrasound imaging
Ultrasound gel is applied and the arteries are examined using an ultrasound probe.
Doppler assessment
Doppler measurements are taken to assess blood flow through the arteries.
Findings
The ultrasound findings are documented to support the appropriate clinical pathway.
Who can be at increased risk of peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease is associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors.
Having one or more risk factors does not confirm PAD, but they may form part of the wider clinical assessment.
What can the arterial ultrasound findings show?
Arterial duplex ultrasound provides information about both the structure of the arteries and the blood flowing through them.
The scan can help demonstrate where blood flow is reduced, whether significant narrowing may be present and whether an artery is occluded.
These findings can support further assessment or treatment planning by the appropriate healthcare professional.
Private arterial Doppler ultrasound prices
Private arterial duplex ultrasound is available for one or both legs from our Central London clinic.
If you are unsure whether you require an arterial Doppler, ABPI or another vascular examination, contact us before booking.
A routine private arterial Doppler appointment is not a substitute for emergency assessment. If you develop sudden severe leg pain, a suddenly cold or pale limb, sudden loss of sensation or movement, or other severe symptoms, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine ultrasound appointment.
Private arterial Doppler scans in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist arterial duplex ultrasound and vascular assessment from our clinic on Charing Cross Road.
Our service is suitable for patients requiring private leg artery ultrasound for suspected peripheral arterial disease or reduced circulation.
Peripheral arterial disease ultrasound FAQs
Common questions about leg Doppler ultrasound, arterial duplex scanning and poor circulation.
What is a leg Doppler ultrasound?
A leg Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive examination used to assess blood flow through the vessels of the leg. In an arterial duplex scan, the arteries are visualised and Doppler measurements are used to assess circulation.
Can ultrasound detect peripheral arterial disease?
Arterial duplex ultrasound can identify changes in blood flow associated with arterial narrowing or blockage and is used as part of the assessment of peripheral arterial disease.
What does an arterial Doppler scan of the legs show?
The scan can provide information about the structure of the arteries, blood-flow velocity, areas of narrowing, blocked arteries and the overall arterial circulation through the assessed leg.
How much does a private leg Doppler scan cost?
At Tunica Diagnostics, an arterial duplex ultrasound of one leg is £199 and a bilateral examination of both legs is £350.
Is an arterial Doppler the same as an ABPI test?
No. An ABPI compares blood pressure measurements at the ankle and arm, while an arterial duplex ultrasound directly images the arteries and assesses blood flow using Doppler. The tests can provide different but complementary information.
Does a leg Doppler scan use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and does not use ionising radiation.
Is a leg arterial Doppler painful?
The examination is non-invasive. Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and an ultrasound probe is moved along the areas being assessed.
Where can I have a private leg Doppler scan in London?
Tunica Diagnostics provides private arterial Doppler and leg artery ultrasound from 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
What symptoms can be associated with poor circulation in the legs?
Possible symptoms can include leg pain with walking, cold feet, reduced pulses, slow-healing wounds and other signs of reduced blood supply. These symptoms can have different causes, so appropriate clinical assessment is important.
Book a private leg Doppler ultrasound
Arrange a specialist arterial duplex ultrasound for peripheral arterial disease and leg circulation at our Central London vascular diagnostic clinic.