Vascular studies provide a view of how the blood flows within your circulatory system.  Ultrasound technology is again used to produce these images.  The vascular technician can obtain images of several important vessels in your circulatory system.  The arteries in your neck (carotid arteries) are evaluated for blockages.  The primary vessel leaving your heart (aorta) can be evaluated for a serious condition, know as an aneurysm.  In addition, you can be evaluated for blood clots in your extremities, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Specific Studies 

Cartoid Duplex: 

The carotid duplex is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of blood flow and to identify the presence of plaque or narrowing (stenosis) within the carotid arteries. These arteries are located on both sides of the neck and carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain.

The technologist will take a short medical history and then explain the procedure in more detail. He/she will ask you to lie quietly on your back with your head rotated to either the right or left side. The technologist will place warm hypoallergenic gel on the sides of your neck, followed by an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe is used to produce images and audible sound of your carotid arteries. After the cardiologist has reviewed the findings of the ultrasound study, a final report will be generated.

Lower Arterial Doppler/PVR: 

The arterial Doppler with pulse-volume recording (PVR) is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) of the lower extremities. Peripheral arterial disease usually occurs when there is a blockage within the arteries of the lower extremities due to a buildup of plaque, which can cause a reduction or loss in the blood circulation. 

The technologist will take a short medical history and then explain the procedure in more detail. He/she will ask you to lie quietly on your back, while blood pressure cuffs are applied to the arm, thigh, calf, ankle and foot of the right and left sides. Each cuff will be inflated two times in order to produce a waveform and segmental pressure measurement for comparison. The blood pressure measurements at the ankle are divided by the higher of the two arm pressures, to calculate a ratio known as the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The ankle-brachial index is used to help diagnosis the severity of peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities. After the cardiologist has reviewed the findings of the ultrasound study, a final report will be generated.

Upper Arterial Doppler/PVR: 

The arterial Doppler with pulse-volume recording (PVR) is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) of the upper extremities. Peripheral arterial disease usually occurs when there is a blockage within the arteries of the upper extremities due to a buildup of plaque, which can cause a reduction or loss in the blood circulation. 

The technologist will take a short medical history and then explain the procedure in more detail. He/she will ask you to lie quietly on your back, while blood pressure cuffs are applied to the upper arm, forearm, and wrist of the right and left sides. Each cuff will be inflated two times in order to produce a waveform and segmental pressure measurement for comparison. After the cardiologist has reviewed the findings of the ultrasound study, a final report will be generated.

Abdominal Aorta Duplex:                                                                                                                                                           

The abdominal aorta duplex is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and to identify the presence of plaque or narrowing (stenosis) within the abdominal aorta and/or common iliac arteries. The abdominal aorta carries oxygenated blood to the organs of the abdomen and the lower part of the body. 

The technologist will take a short medical history and then explain the procedure in more detail. He/she will ask you to lie quietly on your back, with your hands by your sides. The technologist will place warm hypoallergenic gel on your abdomen, followed by an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe is used to produce images and audible sound of your abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries. The technologist will take a number of measurements throughout the entire length of the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries for documentation. After the cardiologist has reviewed the findings of the ultrasound study, a final report will be generated.

Lower Venous Duplex: 

The lower venous duplex is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency (venous reflux) of the lower extremities. There is a deep venous system and a superficial venous system within the lower extremities that carry the blood back to the heart.

The technologist will take a short medical history and then explain the procedure in more detail. He/she will ask you to lie quietly on your back with either your right or left leg rotated outwardly. The technologist will place warm hypoallergenic gel on your leg, followed by an ultrasound probe. The technologist will use imaging and light compressions with the ultrasound probe as he/she moves down the leg. This technique is used to identify the presence of a blood clot. The technologist will use imaging, audible sound, and augmentation when determining if there is venous insufficiency of the lower extremity. After the cardiologist has reviewed the findings of the ultrasound study, a final report will be generated.

Upper Venous Doppler/PVR: 

The upper venous duplex is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the upper extremities. There is a deep venous system and a superficial venous system within the upper extremities that carry the blood back to the heart.

The technologist will take a short medical history and then explain the procedure in more detail. He/she will ask you to lie quietly on your back with either your right or left arm extended away from your body. The technologist will place warm hypoallergenic gel on your arm, followed by an ultrasound probe. The technologist will use imaging and light compressions with the ultrasound probe as he/she moves down the arm. This technique is used to identify the presence of a blood clot. After the cardiologist has reviewed the findings of the ultrasound study, a final report will be generated.