Vascular services

The aorta is the major artery that carries blood away from the heart. There are many branches off the aorta, including arteries that carry blood to the kidneys and legs.

Ultrasound imaging is used to check the condition of the arteries in the abdominal aorta and its branches. One of the most important conditions detected by this evaluation is an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA. An AAA is caused when the lining in the wall of the aorta becomes weak, and the artery balloons or gets bigger.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, or ABPM, is when your blood pressure is measured as you move around, living your normal daily life. It is normally done over a 24-hour period. It uses a small digital blood pressure machine that is attached to a belt and which is connected to a cuff around your upper arm. It small enough that you can go about your normal daily life and even sleep with it on.

What to expect during the test:

• The machine will be fitted at TMC.

• A 24-hour blood pressure measurement is just the same as a normal blood pressure check: a digital machine takes your blood pressure by inflating a cuff around your upper arm and then slowly releasing the pressure. The machine is small enough to be worn on a belt on your waist while the cuff stays on your upper arm for the full 24 hours.

• The machine then takes blood pressure readings at regular intervals throughout the day. You will need to keep the monitor on through the night – you could put the machine under the pillow or on the bed while you sleep.

• Because the test is being carried out to find out what your normal daily blood pressure is, it is important to carry on with your normal routine and do all the things you would normally do. The only things you should avoid doing for the day are swimming and having a bath or shower.

• At the end of the 24 hours you will return to TMC to have the machine and cuff removed. The machine will have stored all your readings and these will then be analyzed.

The Vascular Lab offers comprehensive, coordinated tests for patients with vessel disorders in their brains or the neck. These disorders can cause things such as brain aneurysm causing subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke.

These non-invasive ultrasound studies are performed by highly qualified and experienced technologists and read by vascular surgeons. The information from these tests provides physicians with information to assist in the management of vascular problems in the head and neck. 

The Vascular Lab offers a range of tests, including:

• Transcranial Doppler

• Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of arteriosclerosis, more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. PAD is a condition in which the large- and medium-sized arteries that bring blood to the arms and legs become narrowed or clogged, which causes less blood flow to the muscles. This can cause pain or cramping in the legs during walking that stops during rest. PAD also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and amputation of the legs. It is a very common condition, especially in people over the age of 50.

Screening for PAD often involves an arterial Doppler evaluation, which is a simple test used to see if there is blockage in the arteries. Additionally, ultrasound imaging may be used to see the arteries in the arms and legs. This checks for plaque build-up and shows the physician where and how bad it is. This exam, especially when done with the arterial Doppler evaluation, gives more information that helps with treatment and management decisions. This exam takes approximately 60 minutes. 

Tests that may be included in your PAD exam

• Arterial Doppler

• Arterial Doppler with exercise

• Arterial Duplex

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs or arms.  The majority of DVT is treatable with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Duplex ultrasound imaging of the veins in the arms and legs will evaluate for DVT and help your doctor decide on the best treatment plan. 

What to expect from the test:

• This exam takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

• Before the test begins, the technologist will ask you to lie on the table with your head slightly elevated and to lie still.

• The technologist then spreads a special gel over the area that he or she will examine. The gel allows better images.

• The technologist presses the ultrasound wand against your skin and moves it along the course of the veins. The pressure may cause some discomfort.

• The wand sends the data to the computer, which produces images the technologist views and records on a television-like screen.

• During the test, you may hear a whooshing sound, which is the sound that the ultrasound machine makes to represent your blood moving through your body.

Ultrasound evaluation of the deep and superficial veins can determine the function or dysfunction of the valves in your veins.  This exam provides essential information about which vein segments are functioning abnormally to help guide the vascular surgeon’s treatment and management of varicose veins. 

What to expect from the test:

• This exam takes about an hour.

• Before the test begins, your physician or the technologist will ask you to lie on the table with your head slightly elevated and to lie still

• The technologist then spreads a special gel over the area that he or she will examine. The gel allows better images.

• The technologist presses the ultrasound wand against your skin and moves it back and forth. The pressure may cause some mild discomfort, but most people do not find the test painful.

• As the wand moves back and forth, it sends the information to the computer that produces the images the technician can view and record on a television-like screen.

• During the test, you may hear a whooshing sound, which is the sound that the ultrasound machine makes to represent your blood moving through your body.

You may be concerned about the health of your arteries and TMC offers screening tests performed by our technologists to address those questions. These screenings are not covered by insurance but we offer all three for $30.

Self-pay and self-referred screenings are available for:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening to determine the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (weakening of the wall of the aorta).

• Carotid artery duplex evaluation: to determine the presence of significant carotid artery (blood flow to the brain) blockage.

• Peripheral artery disease screening, or PAD: to determine the presence of significant arterial blockage in the legs.

These screenings do not require a physician referral. A copy of your results will be mailed to you in about a week, which you can take to your next doctor's appointment to discuss the results.

Call (520 353-2499, option 5 to schedule your vascular wellness screening.