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The vascular laboratory at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH) provides testing specializing in the diagnosis of vascular disease. All examinations are non-invasive which means the procedure does not require the use of needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia. The information collected provides our physicians the information necessary to treat you appropriately. Exams are performed by Registered Vascular Technologists, highly trained specialists in the field of Vascular Technology. The vascular laboratory is accredited through the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).
ROUTINELY PERFORMED PROCEDURES AT
WENTWORTH-DOUGLASS HOSPITAL INCLUDE:
- Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound
- Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
- Lower and Upper Arterial and Venous Ultrasounds
- Segmental Pressure Test "ABI"
- Renal Artery Ultrasound
ABDOMINAL AORTA ULTRASOUND
Common reasons for exam include:
- Suspected aortic aneurysm
- Aortic aneurysm monitoring
- Abdominal bruit
- Stent placement screening prior to endovascular repair
Description: This test uses Doppler ultrasound technology to visualize the abdominal aorta. Gel is placed along the abdominal region. A probe is run along the length of the aorta. Patients should abstain from eating or drinking the morning of the examination. Patients will be given early morning appointments for the fasting exam. Patients should continue to take their medication.
CAROTID ULTRASOUND
Common reasons for exam include:
- Temporary loss of vision
- Weakness involving one side of the body
- Slurred or difficult speech (aphasia/dysphasia)
- Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA/stroke)
- Bruit, turbulent noise heard in the neck with a stethoscope
- Pre-operative screening prior to a major surgery
Description: This test uses Doppler ultrasound to assess the carotid and vertebral arteries which lie along the neck region. Gel is placed along the neck and a probe is then run along the course of the neck to determine severity of blockages.
LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL EXAM (ABI)
Common reasons for exam include:
- Claudication (leg pain occurring with walking and relieved by rest)
- Severe leg pain occurring at rest and most notable while lying down
- Non-healing leg, foot or toe sores
- Cold feet and toes (vasospasm/Raynaud's)
Description: This test uses pressures and plethysmography to measure arterial circulation. Blood pressure cuffs are placed along the lower legs. Severity and general location of disease can be determined. If the indication for the examination is leg pain with walking, the patient may be asked to walk on a treadmill for 5 minutes. Following exercise, pressure measurements are obtained. This test documents the presence and physiologic significance of arterial occlusive disease.
UPPER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL EXAM
Common reasons for exam include:
- Cold hands/fingers (vasospasm/Raynaud's)
- Non-healing finger wounds
- Hand or finger pain
- Suspected digital embolization
Description: This test uses pressure and plethysmography to measure arterial circulation. Blood pressure cuffs are placed along the arms. Severity and location of the disease can be determined. The test may include digital recordings following cold or warm water immersion.
LOWER EXTREMITY VENOUS ULTRASOND
Common reasons for exam include:
- Sudden leg pain
- Sudden or long term leg swelling
- Palpable cord
- Documentation for source of Pulmonary Embolism
- Vein mapping prior to vascular or cardiac surgery
Description: This test uses Doppler ultrasound. Gel is applied along the extremity. A probe is then run along the vein to assess for deep and superficial clots of the lower extremities. Acute and chronic thrombosis can be differentiated. Testing for venous valvular insufficiency, which may lead to varicose veins and ulcerations, is performed.
UPPER EXTREMTIY VENOUS ULTRASOUND
Common reasons for exam include:
- Arm pain
- Acute or long-term swelling
- Palpable cord
- Vein mapping prior to vascular surgery.
Description: This test uses Doppler ultrasound. Gel is applied along the extremity. A probe is run along the vein to access from deep and superficial venous clots of the upper extremities.
RENAL ARTERY ULTRASOUND
Common reasons for exam include:
- Hypertension
- Surveillance of renal artery angioplasty/bypass
- Monitoring for known renal artery stenosis
Description: This test uses Doppler ultrasound. Gel is placed along the abdominal region. A probe is run along the abdominal region to detect blockages of the renal arteries which provide the blood supply to the kidney. Patients should abstain from eating or drinking the morning of the examination. Patients will be given early morning appointments for the fasting exam. Patients should continue to take their medications.
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