Vascular care focused on early detection & treatment

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 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:

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

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:

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:

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:

These screenings do not require a physician referral. You can access your results through our patient portal, MyChart, and 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) 324-2075 and ask to schedule your vascular wellness screening.