Arterial mapping (or artery assessment)

What is arterial mapping?

Arterial mapping, or artery assessment, uses ultrasound to build a detailed picture of your arteries, and sometimes your veins. It can check for narrowing or blockages, and can also be used to find the healthiest blood vessels before certain operations.

Why might I need arterial mapping?

Your doctor may suggest this scan:

• to check for peripheral arterial disease, particularly if an earlier test called an ABPI was inconclusive, or your symptoms don't fit the usual pattern
• to find a healthy blood vessel to use before bypass surgery, for your heart or your leg
• to find the best blood vessels before you start dialysis, or before a procedure to create a fistula (a joined artery and vein) for dialysis access
• to check for a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) or hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

What are the benefits of arterial mapping?

• It's painless and non-invasive, with no needles, dyes, anaesthetic or cuts involved
• Unlike some other scans, it doesn't use any radiation
• It gives an objective, detailed assessment of your blood vessels, which can pick up suitable veins that a physical examination alone might miss
• There's no special preparation needed, and no downtime afterwards.

Are there different types of arterial mapping?

Arterial mapping is usually done with duplex ultrasound, which combines a standard ultrasound picture with Doppler ultrasound to show blood flow. It can look at either arteries, veins, or both, depending on why you need it.

If the results are unclear, or more detail is needed, your doctor might also suggest a CT angiogram or a conventional (catheter) angiogram, which use X-rays and a contrast dye instead of sound waves.

How do I prepare for arterial mapping?

There's no special preparation needed. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand. You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewellery, so it's a good idea to leave valuables at home.

What happens during arterial mapping?

Here's what typically happens:

1. You lie down on a padded examination table
2. A small amount of gel is applied to your skin over the area being checked – the gel feels cool, but doesn't harm your skin or stain your clothes
3. A small handheld device called a transducer is placed over the gel and moved along the blood vessel being examined, sending images to a screen
4. The person carrying out the scan takes a series of measurements and checks for any narrowed or blocked areas
5. If you have a procedure planned, they may mark your skin with a pen to show the surgeon where a suitable vessel runs – try not to wash these marks off before your procedure.

What happens after arterial mapping?

Once the scan is finished, the gel is wiped off and you can get dressed. There's no downtime, so you can usually go home, back to work, or on with your day as normal.

What are the risks of arterial mapping?

There are no known harmful side effects. The scan is painless and non-invasive, with no needles, dyes, anaesthetic or cuts, and it doesn't use radiation.