Diagnostic Services
Vascular Services - Diagnostics
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Common Indications for the Cerebrovascular Studies
- Common Indications for Peripheral Venous Studies
- Common Indications for Peripheral Arterial Studies
- Common Indications for Abdominal Studies
- Uses for Vascular Ultrasound
- Types of Vascular Ultrasound Procedures
- Conditions detected by Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular Ultrasound
Peripheral vascular testing is quicker, safer, painless, and less expensive than an arteriogram or a venogram. A small transducer is held against the body. Harmless sound waves are transmitted which bounce of the peripheral vessels and back to the transducer. Data is sent to a computer, which translates the information to a monitor. The images and data are stored on videotape. The images are used to see the structures and blood flow of the vessels and any occlusions, which may be present. Learn more.
Common indications for Cerebovasular Studies
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Stroke
- Carotid bruit
- Atypical Central Nervous System symptoms
- Vague symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, or syncope
- Prior to open heart or other major surgeries, in selected cases
- Follow-up for carotid stenosis
- Question of carotid aneurysm
- Subclavian steal
Common indications for Peripheral Venous Studies
- Suspected deep venous thrombosis (clot) or superficial phlebitis (inflammation) in lower or upper limbs.
- Follow-up during and after anticoagulant therapy
- Varicose Veins
- Vein mapping for coronary or peripheral arterial reconstruction
Common indications for Peripheral Arterial Studies
- Leg pain of questionable cause
- Pain at rest
- Evaluation of the degree of claudication, if present
Common Indications for Abdominal Studies
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Aorto-iliac occlusive disease
- Iliac vein thrombosis
- Follow-up of aortic, renal or iliac stenosis
- Post surgical evaluation for aortic, renal or iliac stenosis
- Follow up for renal or iliac angioplasty/stent procedures
Uses for Vascular Ultrasound
- Diagnose disease of the arteries and veins
- Monitor patients who have had arterial reconstructions and bypass
- Detect abnormalities in the arterial blood flow
- Detect venous disease
Types of Vascular Ultrasound Procedures
- Doppler; bounces sound waves off the blood vessels to view blood flow patterns.
- Pressures, Waves; uses a pressure cuff and hand held Doppler to determine pressure in the arms and legs.
- Duplex Scan; combines the Doppler microphone device with an image of the vessel on a T.V. like screen. Usually performed on peripheral vessels such as the legs.
Conditions detected by Vascular Ultrasound
Many conditions affecting the peripheral and major vessels can be detected with ultrasound technology, some of these are:
- Abdominal aneurysm
- Thoracic aneurysm
- Carotid artery blockages
- Peripheral vascular diseases