Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory

Vascular ultrasound studies are performed to detect problems with the circulation. The most common vascular problems are caused by atherosclerosis (plaque) in an artery, an aneurysm (abnormal increase in size) of an artery, or a blood clot thrombosis) in a vein. During an ultrasound examination, a transducer is placed on the skin over the vessel being examined. The transducer produces sound waves which are used to display an image of the vessel on a computer monitor. The sound waves are used to evaluate flow through the vessel. Ultrasound examinations are painless and do not require X-rays or injections.

Vascular Laboratory Test Requisition Form CAROTID ARTERY ULTRASOUND More than half of all strokes are caused by atherosclerosis (plaque) in the carotid arteries in the neck. During a carotid artery ultrasound, information about the location and severity of plaque formation is obtained. Symptoms which may cause your physician to order a carotid ultrasound include:weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a loss/blurring of vision (in only one eye), slurring of speech, dizziness, or the presence of a bruit (murmur) in the carotid artery.

RENAL ARTERY ULTRASOUND

Hypertension and kidney failure may be caused by a blockage in the renal artery, which brings blood to the kidney. A renal artery ultrasound study is performed to detect poor blood flow to the kidneys. In order to limit abdominal gas, which may interfere with the test, it is necessary to not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the examination. (Medication may be taken with a sip of water).

VENOUS ULTRASOUND Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the term used to describe the development of blood clots in the veins of the legs. DVT may produce symptoms of leg pain and swelling. If the clot is located in a vein close to the skin, there may be redness and inflammation of the vein noted. In some patients, the blood clot may break away and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolus (PE). Venous ultrasound is used to detect DVT. The leg is scanned from the groin to the knee to evaluate flow through the the veins.

LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL STUDIES

Blocked arteries in the legs is called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is present in at least a quarter of the people over age 70; patients with PAD have a much higher risk of stroke and heart attack. PAD causes pain or cramping in the calf, thigh or buttocks when walking (intermittent claudication). An ultrasound examination of the legs is used to detect and locate blockages in the leg arteries. The study also includes measurement of blood pressure in the legs. Patients with PAD have a lower than normal blood pressure which can be easily measured.

AORTO-ILIAC ULTRASOUND

The abdominal aorta is the major artery in the abdomen. The aorta branches into two iliac arteries in the lower abdomen. Patients who have blockages in the arteries often develop pain in the hip or thigh muscles during exercise. In other patients, a physician may feel a prominent pulse in the abdomen suggesting the possibility of an aneurysm (widening) of the aorta and iliac arteries. An ultrasound study is performed to detect these problems. In order to limit abdominal gas, which may interfere with the study, it is necessary to not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the test. (Medications may be taken with a sip of water).

Vascular Exercise Program

		The primary goal of vascular rehabilitation is to stabilize and improve the symptoms of intermittent claudication without more invasive procedures. Providence Surgical Care has been a leader in New England in the field of vascular rehabilitation. Patients who qualify for exercise therapy attend 1-hour exercise sessions three times a week. Exercise prescriptions are individual based on test results and medical history. A registered nurse certified by The American College of Sports Medicine and trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support supervises all sessions.
For additional information contact: Christina M. Braun, RN ACSM, Exercise Specialist Program Director, Vascular Rehabilitation (401) 454-0690