Thoracic Outlet Vascular Ultrasound in London
Specialist dynamic Doppler ultrasound assessment of upper-limb arterial and venous blood flow for suspected vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).
Tunica Diagnostics provides focused vascular ultrasound examinations at our private clinic in Central London, including assessment during selected arm positions.
- Dynamic Doppler assessment
- Arterial and venous evaluation
- Central London
Thoracic Outlet Vascular Ultrasound
Doppler assessment of subclavian arterial and venous blood flow during resting and selected arm positions.
What is vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome describes a group of conditions involving compression of structures passing between the neck, upper chest and arm.
Vascular TOS involves compression of the subclavian artery or vein. Symptoms may be influenced by arm position or activity.
Vascular TOS differs from neurogenic TOS, which primarily involves nerves. A vascular ultrasound examines blood flow rather than directly assessing nerve compression.
Which types of vascular compression are assessed?
Duplex ultrasound can evaluate relevant arterial and venous flow patterns in accessible vessels around the thoracic outlet.
Arterial Thoracic Outlet Compression
Arterial assessment focuses on the subclavian artery and relevant upper-limb arterial circulation.
- Resting arterial Doppler flow
- Changes during selected arm positions
- Relevant velocity or waveform changes
- Visible arterial abnormalities where accessible
Venous Thoracic Outlet Compression
Venous assessment focuses on blood-flow patterns in accessible subclavian and related upper-limb veins.
- Resting venous flow patterns
- Positional changes in venous flow
- Assessment for visible venous obstruction
- Relevant signs of thrombosis where assessable
When might vascular TOS be suspected?
Symptoms vary according to whether arterial or venous circulation is affected.
Symptoms that may prompt assessment
- Arm swelling or a feeling of heaviness
- Changes in hand or arm colour
- Coldness or temperature changes in the hand
- Arm discomfort associated with particular positions
- Symptoms during overhead activity
These symptoms are not specific to vascular TOS and require appropriate clinical evaluation.
What does a thoracic outlet ultrasound assess?
The examination compares relevant vascular flow characteristics at rest and during selected arm positions.
Resting Blood Flow
Doppler assessment of accessible subclavian and upper-limb arteries and veins.
Dynamic Arm Positions
Evaluation of changes in vascular flow during selected movements or provocative positions.
Relevant Abnormalities
Assessment for positional flow disturbance and other visible vascular findings within the limits of ultrasound.
What happens during the ultrasound?
Clinical Information
Your symptoms, relevant medical history and any position-related triggers help guide the assessment.
Dynamic Duplex Scan
Accessible arteries and veins are examined at rest and during selected arm positions.
Findings
Relevant anatomical and blood-flow findings are documented to support clinical interpretation.
Can ultrasound diagnose vascular TOS?
Duplex ultrasound can provide useful evidence of vascular flow changes, but findings must be interpreted in their clinical context.
Positional narrowing or altered flow can occur in people without symptomatic vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. A positive positional finding alone does not establish the diagnosis. Some parts of the thoracic outlet are difficult to visualise with ultrasound, and further imaging or specialist assessment may be required.
Sudden significant arm swelling or discolouration may indicate a blood clot and requires urgent medical assessment. Sudden severe arm pain, a cold or pale hand, new weakness or loss of movement may indicate reduced arterial blood supply and require emergency care. Do not wait for a routine ultrasound appointment.
Thoracic outlet ultrasound price in London
Thoracic Outlet Vascular Ultrasound
Dynamic arterial and venous Doppler assessment for suspected vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Thoracic outlet ultrasound in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist vascular ultrasound examinations at our clinic on Charing Cross Road.
Tunica Diagnostics
Until
111 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0DT
Telephone: 020 8058 0725
Contact the Clinic →Thoracic outlet ultrasound FAQs
What is vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Vascular TOS involves compression of the subclavian artery or vein near the thoracic outlet, potentially affecting upper-limb circulation.
How is vascular TOS assessed with ultrasound?
Duplex ultrasound evaluates blood-flow patterns in accessible arteries and veins at rest and during selected arm positions.
Does the scan assess both arteries and veins?
Yes. The examination can include relevant arterial and venous Doppler assessment, depending on the clinical indication.
Does ultrasound diagnose neurogenic TOS?
No. Vascular Doppler ultrasound assesses blood vessels and blood flow. It does not directly diagnose compression of the brachial plexus nerves.
Does positional compression confirm TOS?
Not necessarily. Positional vascular compression may be observed in people without symptomatic TOS. Findings must be interpreted alongside symptoms and any other investigations.
Is the ultrasound painful?
Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. Some arm positions may temporarily reproduce symptoms.
How much does a thoracic outlet ultrasound cost?
The Thoracic Outlet Vascular Ultrasound at Tunica Diagnostics costs £250.
Where is the clinic?
Tunica Diagnostics is located at Until, 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Do you offer other specialist vascular scans?
Yes. Explore our specialist vascular ultrasound assessments , including PAES, May–Thurner Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome and other examinations.
Enquire about a thoracic outlet ultrasound
Contact Tunica Diagnostics to discuss dynamic vascular Doppler assessment and request an appointment at our Central London clinic.