Provides objective diagnostic information evaluating the presence, location and physiological extent of heart and vascular disease with the use of Doppler, which sends ultrasonic sound waves into the tissues
Echoes returning from moving red blood cells produce audible signals that are visually displayed on a screen
Doppler combined with ultrasound imaging visualize the vessel of interest and assess blood flow
All tests are non-invasive, painless and risk free
Several types of tests are performed in the Vascular Lab and can be done on the arteries and/or veins in the arms, legs, digits, neck, and abdomen
Tests are performed for the following symptoms:
pain in legs with walking (claudication)
arm pain/weakness/numbness
cold sensitivity in digits
blood clots
varicose veins
aneurysms
stroke
Tests consist of either blood pressure measurements in the arms and/or legs, and/or ultrasound imaging.
Test takes anywhere from 30-90 minutes depending on the type
No preparation for most studies, however, if an abdominal study is requested, the patient is asked to fast for 4 hours prior
