Vascular Testing

Coronary artery and peripheral arterial vascular disease are closely linked. The same process of plaque (fat and other materials) build up on the inside wall of the arteries occurs. This plaque narrows the artery, reducing blood flow. The most common form of arterial disease occurs in the abdominal aorta, the iliac arteries (that carry blood to each leg) and the arteries in the kidneys. Also affected may be the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Non-invasive tests are usually the first step in identifying the presence of vascular disease. They are performed on the outside of the body using ultrasound techniques. The ultrasound tests will help the doctor determine the presence and best method of treatment.

Cardiovascular Associates offers a complete array of vascular testing in their states-of-the-art ICAVL accredited vascular lab, including:

• Lower Extremity noninvasive peripheral arterial test is a physiological test consisting of ABI, Segmental Pressures and Doppler waveforms; sometimes additional testing is performed after a mild exercise routine. This is frequently the first line of testing for patients with suspected lower extremity arterial disease.
• Duplex exams are named such because there are two components to the examination: Ultrasound imaging, plus blood flow velocities and waveforms obtained by Doppler. These studies visually demonstrates areas of vessel narrowing by disease and resultant altered blood flow.
• Peripheral Arterial Duplex - obtains ultrasound images of the upper or lower extremity arteries as ordered by the physician, plus corresponding Doppler flow information.
• Renal Artery Duplex - obtains ultrasound images and corresponding Doppler flow information of the aorta, renal arteries and kidneys. A flow reducing blockage in a renal artery raises the blood pressure in some patients. Prior to the duplex exam, the patient is required to follow simple dietary instructions in an attempt to reduce the intestinal gas that can interfere with this test.
• Abdominal Aorta and Iliac Artery Duplex - obtains images of the aorta, iliacs and identified major branch origins, plus corresponding Doppler flow information. This study helps identify non-symptomatic aneurysms and/or flow impeding arterial disease. Prior to the duplex exam, the patient is required to follow simple dietary instructions in an attempt to reduce the intestinal gas that can interfere with this test.
• Carotid artery duplex - obtains images of the right and left carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain, plus corresponding Doppler flow information. This simple, quick test evaluates carotid artery disease which is a major cause of stroke.

In addition, CVA is able to offer the newest technology in diagnosing peripheral vascular disease – known as 64 slice Computed Topography (CT) angiography- A non invasive look at your complete vascular system allows the physician to view computerized 3D detailed pictures of the blood vessels, and can be helpful for analyzing and identifying disease and planning of interventional procedures.

Cardiovascular Associates vascular lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Medicine Labs (ICAVL).

Treatment Options for Patients with Peripheral Vascular Disease
What happens if you are diagnosed with PVD? Treatment options for patients with PVD include four categories:

• Medication
• Exercise
• Percutaneous interventions
• Surgery

A combination of medication, exercise, and percutaneous interventions are the most common treatments and work very well for most patients. Surgical repair is reserved for patients whose symptoms are recurrent despite multiple attempts at non surgical treatment. Medications for PVD include those for prevention of abnormal blood clotting, cholesterol management, diabetes management, and blood pressure management.

Stopping smoking is an important part of treatment of PVD as well. The best exercise for patients with PVD is walking which assists blood flow through the legs and helps to keep the arteries open, as well as assists in weight loss and diabetes management. Percutaneous interventions include balloon angioplasty of the narrowed artery, inserting several types of stents to keep the artery open, and devices that cut through and remove plaque from the artery. Percutaneous treatments require a 1 or 2-day stay in the hospital and recovery time of a few days. Surgery generally requires 4 to 5 days in the hospital and has a recovery time of several weeks.

CVA NOW OFFERS VASCULAR SCREENINGS

Stroke / Carotid Artery Screening
Fatty plaque build-up is a leading cause of stroke.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Screens for an aneurysm (enlargement of the artery) help prevent a rupture of the aorta.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
An abnormal result may indicate increased risk for heart attack

Please call (847) 952-7196 for an appointment to schedule your screening