Vascular Lab Department

Our vascular lab department employs two full-time registered vascular technologists (R.V.T), receiving their bachelor degrees from Oregon Institute of Technology in Vascular Technology.  They have 10 years of combined experience.

Our vascular lab provides the following studies:

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Cerebrovascular Evaluation

Our technologist uses sound waves to make images of your carotid arteries (ultrasound).  During the test, a special probe is gently pressed against your neck.  An image then forms on a monitor.  The results show how severe the narrowing of your carotid arteries are.  This test takes approximately one hour.

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 Peripheral Arterial Evaluation

A part of the peripheral arterial evaluation is a Doppler evaluation.  During the Doppler evaluation, blood pressure readings may be taken along your leg.  A special Doppler probe is then used to evaluate blood flow at each site.

The second part of your peripheral arterial evaluation is a duplex imaging study.  Duplex imaging bounces sound waves off an artery to produce an image of the vessel.  The image shows the size and shape of the artery’s passageway, as well as any blockage.  This two-part test takes approximately two hours.

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Peripheral Venous Evaluation

The peripheral venous evaluation uses duplex imaging to diagnose problems with your veins.  Duplex imaging bounces sound waves off your vein to create an image that shows the size and shape of your vein, as well as the amount of blood flowing through it.  A Doppler probe is also used to help listen for changes in blood flow that may indicate a clot or a valve problem.  A peripheral venous evaluation takes approximately one hour.

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Abdominal Aorta Screening

A simple Abdominal Aorta Screening helps in diagnosing (or ruling out) the possibility of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).  Because most AAA’s are symptom-free, they go undetected until the abdominal aorta ruptures, becoming a life-threatening situation.  AAA is the 13^th leading cause of death in the U.S.

An ultrasound screening takes only 20 minutes and costs $20.

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Abdominal Aorta Evaluation

An ultrasound test uses sound waves to make images of your aorta and nearby blood vessels.  This test allows the size of your aneurysm to be measured.  The test is painless and doesn’t take long.  Ultrasound gel is rubbed on the skin over your stomach.  Next, a sensor is moved back and forth over your abdomen.  An image of your aorta can then be seen on a screen.  An abdominal aorta evaluation takes approximately one hour.

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Visceral Vascular Evaluation

Similar to the Abdominal Aorta Evaluation, ultrasound is used to evaluate the renal and mesenteric vessels.  A sensor is moved back and forth over your abdomen, looking for any possible narrowing of vessels.  This test takes approximately two hours.

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