Vascular lab procedures to diagnose vascular disease

In addition to vascular screenings, the center’s vascular lab is equipped to provide comprehensive tests to help diagnose vascular disease. The tests require a physician referral and include:

Peripheral artery scan

The peripheral artery test uses ultrasound technology and blood pressure readings to detect how well blood is flowing through the extremities. These readings help detect blockages that may restrict blood flow outside the heart. A small sensor is used to bounce sound waves off the arteries, and a computer transforms these sound waves into pictures that are recorded and studied by a vascular surgeon. Blood pressure readings are used to measure the rate of blood flow through different extremities and may be performed in various parts of the body, including the legs, fingers and toes.

Venous disease scan 

Venous disease is an umbrella term for various diseases of the veins in the legs, including varicose veins, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins are common and generally not life-threatening. However, DVT causes 200,000 deaths in the United States every year due to embolism (blood clot that travels to the lung). DVT also can lead to incompetent valves, resulting in crippling chronic venous insufficiency. A venous disease scan uses ultrasound technology to detect how well blood is flowing through the veins in the circulatory system.

Carotid artery scan 

The carotid artery test uses ultrasound technology to determine how well blood is flowing through the carotid arteries, which supply blood from the heart to the brain. A small sensor is placed on several areas of the neck. Sound waves are bounced off the arteries, and a computer transforms these sound waves into pictures that are recorded and studied by a vascular surgeon. Any blockages that may be restricting blood flow can be detected using this technology.

Abdominal aortic scan 

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) scan uses ultrasound technology to determine how well blood is flowing through the abdominal artery, which supplies blood to the arms and legs. The ultrasound uses sound waves to detect any blockages that may be restricting blood flow. A small sensor is placed on several areas of the abdomen, legs and arms. Sound waves are bounced off the artery, and a computer transforms these sound waves into pictures that are recorded and studied by a vascular surgeon.