Vascular Examinations (VAS)

Doppler Ultrasound Duplex Venous combine Doppler ultrasound and B-mode imaging to maximize the anatomic and physiological information regarding the deep veins in the upper and lower extremities, including the major axial deep veins in the lower leg and the intramuscular veins. Ultrasound characteristics may imply an acute versus chronic process. This exam has replaced venography as the standards for detection of deep thrombosis.

Color Flow Doppler Scanning (Velocity & Flow) adds Doppler information encoded as color-flow to the conventional duplex scan to survey the arteries throughout their course. This test is reserved for those patients being evaluated for an invasive interventional procedure (laser, angioplasty, or surgery). It can identify all lesions as stenosis or occlusions, estimate the percentage of diameter reduction and determine the length of the lesion. In cases where the angiography is contraindicated, color-flow scanning has been used at many hospitals in lieu of angiography for planning the surgical approach. Postoperatively, this test is also used to monitor bypass grafts for detection of conditions heralding impending graft failure so that appropriate intervention is taken prior to thrombosis.

Noninvasive Peripheral Venous & Arterial Evaluation Testing allows diagnosis and evaluation of deep and superficial venous thrombosis and valvular insufficiency. These procedures are rapid, repeatable and cost effective.

Peripheral Vascular Studies is an arterial evaluation that can document the presence of disease, determine its functional severity, localize the site of involvement, define the lesion as a stenosis or occlusion, measure its length and provide baseline information for future comparisons. When musculoskeletal system disease is also present, the evaluation will determine the contribution of arterial insufficiency, to the patient’s symptoms.

Indications/Symptoms for Vascular Testing