Vascular Lab at Coastal Vascular & Vein Center
The Vascular Laboratory at Coastal Vascular & Vein Center was the first facility in the area to obtain Visceral Vascular accreditation through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). We also hold IAC accreditation in Extracranial Cerebrovascular, Peripheral Arterial, and Peripheral Venous testing. We provide thorough, non-invasive diagnostic testing for multiple vascular disorders on an outpatient basis to facilitate early detection and treatment of vascular diseases. Our patients enjoy the convenience of scheduled exams which are often followed by same-day appointments with the Surgeon and/or Physician Assistant to review results and treatment plans. Additionally, exam results are communicated to referring physicians by telephone and/or facsimile the same day.
Studies performed in our vascular laboratory include:
- Carotid Artery Ultrasound
- Peripheral Venous Ultrasound
- Venous Reflux Ultrasound
- Vein Mapping Ultrasound
- Dialysis Graft/A-V Fistula Surveillance Ultrasound
- Peripheral Arterial Ultrasound
- Graft Surveillance Ultrasound
- Peripheral Arterial Pulse Volume Recordings and Segmental Pressures
- Treadmill Testing
- Thoracic Outlet Testing
- Aortic Ultrasound
- Renal Artery Ultrasound
- Mesenteric Artery Ultrasound
Our staff consists of Registered Vascular Technologists (RVT) with over 50 years of combined scanning and patient care experience in both hospital and outpatient settings. We are committed to compassionate and personal interaction with our patients while working closely with our clinical staff to provide exceptional treatment to each individual in a timely manner.
Carotid Artery Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the structure and function of the arteries which supply the brain and face to determine if blockage (stenosis) is present and calculate the percentage of vessel narrowing. This test allows the physician to determine the risk of stroke and develop the best treatment to lower your risk.
Peripheral Venous Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the veins commonly used to determine if blood clots (thrombosis) of the deep or superficial veins are present. Accurate, early detection of blood clots in the deep vein system (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT) allows for timely treatment and potential avoidance of life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism (PE).
Venous Reflux Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the blood flow of the lower extremity deep and superficial veins to determine if valvular incompetence, or venous reflux, is present. Over time, untreated reflux can cause varicose veins, spider veins, skin discoloration and/or breakdown which can result in limb ulceration.
Vein Mapping Ultrasound: evaluate the size and adequacy of upper and lower extremity superficial veins for use as an arterial bypass or dialysis conduit.
Dialysis Graft/A-V Fistula Surveillance Ultrasound: duplex evaluation of the created dialysis conduit to assess for patency, locate level of stenosis or identify vessels involved in steal prior to or during any stage of maturation.
Peripheral Arterial Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the structure and function of the upper and lower extremity arteries to determine if blockage (stenosis) is present and calculate the percentage of vessel narrowing.
Graft Surveillance Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the structure and function of a bypass graft which can detect stenosis or other abnormality.
Peripheral Arterial Pulse Volume Recordings and Segmental Pressures: utilizes obtained arterial waveforms and pressures of the arms and legs to determine if arterial blockage (stenosis) is present. The ankle or wrist pressures are compared to the upper arm pressure in a ratio called the Ankle/Brachial Index (ABI) or Wrist/Brachial Index (WBI) which indicates normal, mild, moderate or severe arterial disease. Severity of arterial disease can manifest in symptoms ranging from leg pain to non-healing ulcers or gangrene.
Treadmill Testing: additional examination following lower extremity pulse volume recordings and segmental pressures in which activation of exertion-related symptoms (Claudication) is induced by exercise on a treadmill in order to compare resting and post-stress indices to determine level(s) of arterial disease.
Thoracic Outlet Testing: additional examination following upper extremity pulse volume recordings and segmental pressures which utilizes photoplethysmography to assess arterial flow changes during limb manipulation.
Aortic Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the structure and function of the Aorta and Common Iliac Arteries, the main blood supply to the abdomen and lower extremities, to assess for dilation (aneurysm) and plaque content. Rupture of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition that can be prevented with proper intervention.
Renal Artery Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the structure and function of the arteries supplying the kidneys. Blockage (stenosis) of these vessels is a common cause of hypertension.
Mesenteric Artery Ultrasound: duplex analysis of the structure and function of the Celiac, Superior and Inferior Mesenteric Arteries, which supply blood to the abdominal organs, to assess for blockage (stenosis) or other abnormality.
