Vascular studies unit

The Vascular Studies Unit (VSU) is part of the nationally recognised Leicester Vascular Institute based at the Glenfield Hospital. The VSU is a UKAS accredited physiological diagnostic service (No. 22747)

The role of the VSU department is to provide high quality diagnostic tests for all vascular circulation investigations. Many of the VSU tests involve painless ultrasound scans.

Our VSU team of clinical vascular scientists, vascular technician, and admin colleagues work alongside our consultant vascular surgeons, consultant vascular interventional radiologists, specialist vascular nurses, and the Leicestershire Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening service.

We have two purpose-built large ultrasound suites at the 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. We also are involved with vascular research projects, teaching and training.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a painless method looking at structures within the body, and the VSU team specialise in looking at blood vessels and circulation. Ultrasound machines produce pictures made using information from high frequency soundwaves which are called ‘ultrasound’. The ultrasound waves are produced by a probe which is placed on the body over the area to be investigated. The picture produced can be seen on a display screen.  To enable the ultrasound to transmit into your body, a small amount of water-based gel is applied to the skin. When blood flow is measured you may hear a ‘whoosh-whoosh’ noise. You will normally be asked to sit or lie on an ultrasound couch for your test.

Vascular disease

If you are worried about vascular disease, please contact your GP. Your GP may decide to refer you to see a vascular consultant. The Vascular Studies Unit are not able to take direct GP referrals, and you need to be seen by a specialist doctor or consultant in the first instance. Alternatively for emergencies you may wish to attend A&E.

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.

You can find accessibility information about the vascular studies unit on the AccessAble website.