Why did my Doctor order a Doppler?
Doppler with Ultrasound imaging are used to check for blood flow to the foot and lower leg.  In general, it is to see if you have adequate blood flow to the foot.   Oftentimes, we can feel your pulses but sometimes we may not be able to. Therefore, these tests are ordered.    Doppler / Ultrasound studies are a very generalized screening. If abnormalities are found, more advanced studies may be done at the discretion of the specialists.    Sometimes, peripheral arterial / venous disease may cause severe pain and leg heaviness. In other cases, they are silent killers or patients may be asymptomatic. 

What is an Arterial Doppler?
This checks for arterial flow to the foot / ankle.  Lack of arterial flow can cause leg pains. Ulcerations may not heal and in severe cases, chronic leg pain called critical limb ischemia pain can occur.

What is a Venous Doppler?
This checks for valves in the veins that helps to get the blood back into your heart.  Sometimes, they are also used to check for DVT or deep venous thrombosis — a medical emergency if found. 

What if I have already seen a vascular surgeon?
Screenings are done at FFLC,  and if you already have a Vascular Surgeon, please let our tech know and we will send results to your vascular surgeon.

What if I don’t have a vascular specialist?   Results are read by FFLC’s endovascular team. If you don’t have an established vascular team, we will send referral to this team to further evaluate abnormal findings and provide endovascular work as needed. 

Dr. Leandro Perez Sugera and Dr. Julian Javier are a team of endovascular specialists that are specially trained to deal with arterial and venous disease of the lower extremities in Naples, FL. They are interventional cardiologists with extensive training in catheterization of the heart and other vessels including the leg / foot / ankle vessels.   Majority of abnormal findings may be treated via minimally invasive means if caught early. 

Vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists,  interventional cardiologists all overlap in the treatment of peripheral arterial or peripheral vascular diseases.  If you already have someone on your medical team that addresses this, please let us know.   Diabetics, smokers, are at high risk for peripheral vascular disease and therefore, regular interval screenings are recommended.  

FFLC P.A.D.

Drs. Leandro Perez Sugera and Julian Javier
PH: (239) 235-0787

Family Foot and Leg Center has several Centers from Collier, Lee, & Charlotte Counties to quickly resolve all your foot and ankle problems.

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!