Vascular Studies Unit (VSU)

The Vascular Studies Unit (VSU) provides high quality diagnostic tests for all vascular circulation investigations. Many of the VSU tests involve painless ultrasound scans. VSU is part of the nationally recognised Leicester Vascular Institute based at the Glenfield Hospital.

The specialist team includes clinical vascular scientists, vascular practitioners, and admin staff, working alongside our consultant vascular surgeons, consultant vascular interventional radiologists, specialist vascular nurses, and the Leicestershire Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening service. The service has two purpose-built large ultrasound suites at the Glenfield VSU, as well as other dedicated ultrasound rooms to provide one-stop scanning services within the Vascular Outpatient consultant clinics, Vascular Limb Salvage clinics (VaLS), and at the rapid access TIA clinics (mini strokes).  

We provide urgent imaging for all inpatients, and all vascular routine outpatient investigations and ongoing surveillance, and are involved with many vascular research projects, teaching and training.

Your appointment

You may receive your appointment details by letter or, if urgent, by text message. Details of what to expect for your appointment are explained in the test leaflets, such as what the test requires and interpreter and chaperone advice.  You can let the person doing the ultrasound scan know if you’d like someone else to be in the room with you (a chaperone). This could be someone you know, or a member of staff.  Our team are always happy to explain further if you wish to talk to us. 

How to find us

The VSU is on Level 1, on the Ward 24 corridor, Glenfield Hospital. Access is via the main entrance (and main car park) which is the closest to us. There is a pick up and drop off point at the main entrance, and porters are available if you require wheelchair assistance and this can be arranged with main reception staff. Find accessibility information for the VSU unit.