Our ICAVL Accredited Vascular Lab
Noninvasive Vascular Testing

The primary function of the Vascular Laboratory is to provide objective data that can be used to diagnose arterial occlusive disease of the upper or lower extremities; cerebrovascular disease; visceral vascular conditions, including but not limited to, aortic occlusive disease or aneurysm, renal artery stenosis, and/or mesenteric ischemia; and peripheral venous disease including deep vein thrombosis, or venous insufficiency. This data provides the physician with valuable information so that a diagnosis and therapeutic plan can be developed.

What test should I order?

Peripheral Arterial
Lower/Upper Extremity “arterial” Doppler study employs the measurement of pressure and pulsation to evaluate patients with symptoms of claudication, rest pain, ulcer/gangrene, or for follow-up of revascularization. These non-imaging, physiologic studies are adequate for localization of infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease and determination of disease severity. This test, with or without treadmill exercise, will answer the question “are the symptoms of a vascular origin”.

Cerebrovascular
Extracranial, cerebrovascular Carotid Artery Duplex imaging is the most common vascular laboratory study. This study provides a very accurate assessment of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries in patients with cerebrovascular symptoms and asymptomatic carotid bruits. Ultrasound makes it possible to characterize the plaque and determine the hemodynamic effect of the plaque on the extracranial circulation. The accuracy of this exam now enables carotid endarterectomy to be performed without angiography in most cases.

Peripheral Venous
Venous Duplex ultrasound is the best choice for diagnosing DVT and has all but replaced conventional ascending venography. The vascular laboratory can provide direct venous imaging of the deep or superficial veins of the legs, arms or the deep veins of the abdomen. Color flow duplex imaging allows identification of occlusive and non-occlusive venous thrombi and provides an accurate diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be initiated. Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins are chronic disorders that can lead to dilatation of the veins of the leg and present with leg pain and swelling.

Aorta – Iliac
Aneurysms can occur in any artery, but are most frequently seen in the aorta, iliac, femoral or the popliteal arteries. They are a consequence of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis leading to narrowing of the aorta and/or iliac arteries will result in lower extremity claudication, primarily in the buttock or thigh.

We prefer Abdominal Duplex scanning for the evaluation of aneurysms or aorta/iliac occlusive disease because it is quite accurate and is the least expensive and easiest study that can be done. Duplex scanning is the procedure of choice for the initial diagnosis and periodic follow up for changes in aneurysm size or for evaluating aorta-iliac disease pre and post-intervention.