Our Vascular Lab and Imaging Center
Our Vascular Lab and Imaging Centers are fully accredited by the Intersocietal Commission on the Accreditation of Vascular laboratories (ICAVL) in extracranial cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial, peripheral venous, and visceral vascular ultrasound. Our team includes Registered Vascular Technologists (RVT) and an advanced digital recording and reporting system that ensures physician interpretation, generation, and distribution of reports within a 24-hour window.
The most frequently performed studies in our Vascular Laboratory include carotid, lower extremity arterial and venous and abdominal aortic duplex ultrasound. We also perform resting and exercise pulse-volume recordings (PVR) with segmental pressures, an excellent diagnostic tool in patients suspected of having peripheral arterial disease. Other tests performed include duplex ultrasound of arteriovenous dialysis fistulas, duplex ultrasound to exclude venous thrombosis, and renal and mesenteric ultrasound to rule out renal or mesenteric ischemia.
Carotid Duplex
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 Society of Vascular Laboratories (ISCVL) 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 Arterial 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.
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.
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 Arterial
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.