Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory

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Part of the Seton Medical Center Department of Diagnostic Services, the Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory offers an evaluation of circulatory disturbances involving blood flow to the brain, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Non-Invasive means the study will not penetrate or invade the body; in other words, it will not be painful and there will not be any needles used or injections of any type. This laboratory provides for evaluation and early detection of blood clots in arteries and veins.

Because the testing is non-invasive, there is a lowered risk to the patient than in traditional invasive testing procedures. In addition, the tests may be performed on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Certain procedures (e.g. angiography) are also less expensive than many invasive testing procedures.

Types of Examinations:

Cerebrovascular Examination
This is an examination utilized to determine the carotid and vertebral arterial flow (main blood flow to the brain). It may be performed to determine the presence or absence of stenosis, ulcerative plaque, or aneurysmal dilatation in patients with carotid bruits, possible TIA’s or CVA (stroke). Doppler, spectral analysis, and imaging are utilized for this examination.

Venous Evaluation
This is an examination utilized to evaluate venous blood flow in the extremities. It may be performed to determine the presence of absence of a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), or to determine the competency of the venous valves in the deep or superficial venous systems. Imaging and Doppler may be utilized for this examination.

Peripheral Arterial Evaluation
This is an examination utilized to determine the arterial blood flow in the extremities. It may be performed to determine the presence or absence of arterial obstruction as a cause for claudication pain (pain with exercise), ischemic changes, not ably decreased peripheral pulses or changes due to Diabetes. This examination is also utilized to follow patient’s post operatively. Doppler arterial waveforms and segmental pressures are taken bilaterally and imaging may be utilized to determine graft patency.

Impotence Exam
This examination is utilized to determine vasculogenic impotence. Penile arterial flow and pressures are taken and compared to brachial flow ratios. Doppler and penile arterial blood pressure cuffs are utilized.

The non-invasive vascular examinations take thirty minutes to one hour to be performed. There are no preparations for these tests.