Diagnostic Procedures

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is a catheter with a tiny device attached to the tip that allows the doctor to view the inside of a diseased artery or vein.

IVUS provides detailed and accurate measurements of disease and helps our doctors to determine the appropriate procedures. IVUS often detects diseased arteries or veins that are missed with other forms of vascular examinations.

VASCULAR ULTRASOUND

Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the body’s circulatory system and help identify blockages and detect blood clots. A Doppler ultrasound study – a technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel – is usually part of this exam. An ultrasound is painless, does not use radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that don’t show up well on X-ray images.

VENOGRAPHY

Venography is an X-ray examination that uses an injection of contrast material (dye) to show how blood flows through veins. Venography is use it to find blood clots and to identify a vein for use in a bypass procedure or dialysis access.

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)

This is a noninvasive test that measures the differences in blood pressure in both arms and ankles. It is a safe and painless test that helps your physician determine if your legs are getting the proper amount of blood supply. It is, in most cases, covered by insurance.

If you have a positive ABI, an ultrasound test is always performed to visualize blood flow through your arteries and confirm an abnormality in blood flow.

If your ultrasound confirms a blockage, a minimally invasive diagnostic test called Angiogram will be performed.

Extremity angiography

This is an examination performed to visualize the arteries of the arms and legs.

It is also called peripheral angiography.

The physician will insert a small catheter to inject contrast material (dye) into the artery. This allows the physician to diagnose and determine the location and the severity of the blockage.