Vascular Imaging for Arterial & Venous Disease
Advanced Vascular Imaging in Chicago, Libertyville & Rockford
Get Answers About Your Circulation Before Symptoms Get Worse
At Joint & Vascular Institute, we provide advanced vascular imaging to diagnose arterial and venous disease with precision and confidence. Using state-of-the-art ultrasound and vascular imaging technology, our specialists can identify circulation problems early, often before they lead to serious complications.
If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, poor wound healing, or other symptoms of vascular disease, a vascular imaging evaluation can help uncover the cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.
Our expert team combines academic-level expertise with the convenience of a local outpatient clinic, helping you get the answers you need without lengthy hospital visits.
Don't Ignore the Signs of Vascular Disease
Benefits of Vascular Imaging
Non-Invasive Evaluation
Most vascular imaging studies are performed without needles, surgery, or downtime.
Accurate Diagnosis
Provides detailed information about blood flow, blockages, narrowing, and vein function.
Early Detection
Identifies circulation problems before they become serious health concerns.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Helps determine the most effective treatment approach for your condition.
Quick & Convenient
Performed in a comfortable outpatient setting with minimal disruption to your day.
Joint & Vascular Institute
Am I a Candidate for Vascular Imaging?
You may benefit from vascular imaging if you:
- Experience leg pain, cramping, or fatigue while walking
- Have swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
- Notice visible varicose veins or spider veins
- Have non-healing wounds or ulcers on your legs or feet
- Experience numbness, coldness, or color changes in your limbs
- Have a history of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or vascular disease
- Have risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Need evaluation before a vascular procedure or treatment
Our specialists will determine which imaging study is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall vascular health.
What You Need to Know About Vascular Imaging
What Is Vascular Imaging?
Vascular imaging is a group of advanced diagnostic tests used to evaluate blood vessels and blood flow throughout the body. These studies help identify problems affecting arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart, and veins, which return blood back to the heart.
At Joint & Vascular Institute, vascular imaging allows us to detect circulation problems, evaluate symptoms, and develop personalized treatment plans using the most accurate information available.
Many vascular conditions can progress silently over time. Early imaging can identify issues before they lead to severe pain, tissue damage, blood clots, stroke, or other serious complications.
Common Conditions Evaluated
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Varicose Veins
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Aneurysms
- Poor Circulation
- Leg Swelling
- Non-Healing Wounds
- Vascular Malformations
Types of Vascular Imaging
Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of blood vessels and measure blood flow. It is one of the most common and effective tools for evaluating both arterial and venous disease.
This painless, non-invasive test can identify:
- Narrowed or blocked arteries
- Blood clots
- Venous reflux (backward blood flow)
- Varicose vein disease
- Poor circulation
Arterial Mapping
Arterial mapping evaluates blood flow through the arteries and helps identify areas of narrowing or blockage that may be reducing circulation to the legs, feet, or other areas of the body.
- Arterial mapping is commonly used when evaluating:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Leg pain while walking
- Critical limb ischemia
- Non-healing wounds
- Circulation disorders
Venous Mapping
Venous mapping provides a detailed assessment of the veins and valve function within the venous system.
This study is frequently used to evaluate:
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Leg swelling
- Venous reflux
- Treatment planning for vein procedures
What Happens During the Exam?
Most vascular imaging studies are simple, comfortable, and completed in less than an hour.
During a vascular ultrasound, a specially trained technologist places a handheld device called a transducer on the skin. The device uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels and measure blood flow in real time.
There are no large machines, no incisions, and typically no recovery time required. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after their appointment.
What Happens If Vascular Disease Goes Undiagnosed?
Ignoring symptoms of vascular disease can allow circulation problems to worsen over time.
Depending on the condition, untreated vascular disease may lead to:
- Progressive pain and mobility limitations
- Worsening swelling and discomfort
- Non-healing wounds
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Tissue damage and limb-threatening complications
- Increased risk of stroke or cardiovascular events
Early diagnosis through vascular imaging can help identify problems before they become more difficult to treat.
Vascular Imaging in Chicago, Libertyville & Rockford
The Outpatient Advantage for Vascular Imaging
Where you receive your vascular evaluation matters. An outpatient-based lab (OBL) like Joint & Vascular Institute offers a more personalized, convenient, and efficient experience than traditional hospital systems.
| Dimension | Joint & Vascular Institute (OBL) | Hospital | Primary Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Vascular-focused experts with extensive experience diagnosing arterial and venous disease. | General imaging departments serving multiple specialties. | Initial evaluation only; often requires referral. |
| Technology | Advanced vascular imaging equipment designed specifically for vascular care. | Technology varies by facility and department. | Limited diagnostic capabilities. |
| Experience | Personalized, comfortable outpatient environment. | Large, busy hospital setting. | Familiar but not specialized. |
| Scheduling | Fast access to vascular evaluations and specialists. | Longer wait times and multiple appointments. | Referral process may delay diagnosis. |
| Cost | Lower overall costs compared to hospital-based imaging. | Higher facility fees and overhead costs. | Diagnostic limitations. |
| Care Coordination | Imaging and treatment planning under one roof. | Often requires multiple providers and departments. | Refers patients to specialists for further evaluation. |
Results & Clinical Evidence
Vascular imaging plays a critical role in detecting and managing circulation disorders before they become serious health problems.
Earlier
Detection
Identifies arterial and venous disease before symptoms become severe.
More Accurate
Treatment Planning
Provides detailed information that helps physicians select the most effective treatment approach.
Improved
Outcomes
Early diagnosis often leads to more successful treatment and better long-term vascular health.
Non-Invasive
Assessment
Gain valuable diagnostic information without surgery, hospitalization, or lengthy recovery periods.
Academic Level Care.
Just Next Door.
From your first consultation through diagnosis and treatment, our providers combine advanced vascular expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Whether you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, or concerns about circulation, our team is committed to finding answers and helping you take back your life with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vascular imaging painful?
No. Most vascular imaging studies, including vascular ultrasound, arterial mapping, and venous mapping, are completely non-invasive and painless. Patients typically experience only mild pressure from the ultrasound probe during the exam.
How long does vascular imaging take?
Most vascular imaging studies take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being evaluated and the complexity of the examination.
Do I need to prepare for my vascular imaging appointment?
Preparation requirements vary depending on the type of study being performed. Our team will provide detailed instructions before your appointment if any special preparation is needed.
Will my insurance cover vascular imaging?
Many vascular imaging studies are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Our staff can help verify your benefits and discuss any questions regarding coverage.
When will I receive my results?
Your images will be reviewed by our vascular specialists, and we will discuss the findings and any recommended next steps as quickly as possible.
Find answers. Restore circulation. Live with confidence.
Take the Next Step
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, poor circulation, or other symptoms of vascular disease, don’t wait for them to worsen.
The first step toward relief starts with an accurate diagnosis.
At Joint & Vascular Institute, we provide advanced vascular imaging and expert evaluation to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized path forward.