Services
Venous Testing
Duplex ultrasound is used to view the veins of the arms or legs and the flow of blood within them. The absence of flow might suggest a blood clot while reversal of flow with the veins might suggest a cause of painful varicose veins. Ultrasound is also used to measure the size of arm veins in preparation for hemodialysis access.
Carotid Duplex Testing
Duplex ultrasound combines the use of Doppler flow and conventional imaging information to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels and how blood flows through them. It can be useful to estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessels. We use the criteria set forth by the International Accreditation Commission (IAC) to relate velocity of flow with diameter reduction and then make recommendations for observation or intervention. Our goal is to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Testing
We use a combination of strategies that involve visualization of anatomy with duplex ultrasound and physiologic testing with noninvasive segmental arterial studies. These studies use blood pressure cuffs placed over the arms and legs and the use of Doppler and PPG (photoplethysmography) to measure blood pressure at different levels of the arms and legs. Our goal is to determine the degree of obstructive processes and attempt to correlate this with symptoms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening and Monitoring
Ultrasound can be used to visualize the size of arteries and veins throughout the body outside of the chest cavity and skull. Aneurysms represent abnormal dilation of arteries and, infrequently, veins. We use ultrasound to identify and assess progression in size of aneurysms located primarily within the abdominal aorta, iliac, femoral, and popliteal arteries. We also use ultrasound to follow improvement of aneurysm size following aneurysm repair using either open or endovascular techniques.
Renal and Mesenteric Artery Testing
We use duplex ultrasound to visualize the large vessels that perfuse the kidneys and bowels. Poor flow can lead to symptoms such as hypertension or abdominal pain. As a screening test, these studies can provide information relevant to determine the need for further testing or intervention.