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Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Division of Vascular Surgery

Diagnosis

At the Strong Heart and Vascular Center, we have an advanced, accredited noninvasive vascular laboratory. Here we perform noninvasive evaluations and diagnoses of the veins and arteries in your arms, legs, head and stomach. We are also pioneering new and innovative methods to diagnose cancer.

These tests are critical to an accurate diagnosis and, ultimately, the best plan of treatment. They include:

  • Ateriograms (angiograms). We use arteriography to perform ateriograms (also called angiograms). During these tests, we inject a contrast dye into the arteries so we can see blockages. This test shows the location and extent of the blockages. This information helps determine which treatment to use to bring circulation to your legs, and how complicated the procedure will be given the location and severity of your obstruction. More information about arteriography
    More information about aortic arteriography

  • Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scans) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). High-speed CT scans or MRIs allow us to look at your blood vessels and measure blood flow without having to use radiation or contrast dye injections. You don’t feel anything during this test and it carries no risk.
  • 3D Computerized Imaging: The use of computer technology to create three-dimensional images

  • Doppler Testing. Color doppler testing is used to assess blood flow. The doppler device sends sound waves into your leg. The sound waves move through your leg tissue and a computer translates the sound waves into an image on a video screen. The image allows us to watch the blood flow through your veins and arteries, and make it possible for us to see plaque, lesions, narrowing, clots and obstructions. More information about Doppler tests

  • Duplex/Doppler Ultrasound Exam. This test combines doppler and ultrasound technology to examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs with the use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves). More information about duplex/doppler ultrasound exam

  • Extremity Blood Pressures. The measurement of the force of blood through vessels in the arm, fingers, wrists, ankle, thigh or calf. More information about extremity blood pressure

  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). A radiation-free scan of blood flow through vessels using radio waves and a magnetic field. More information about MRA

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).Technology that uses large magnets to send magnetic waves through the body, creating computer generated cross-sectional pictures of the areas being examined.More information about MRI

  • Plethysmography. A test that measures changes blood volume of an extremity to determine if a blood vessel is blocked. More about plethysmography

  • Pulse Volume Recording. The measurement of differences in blood pressure and blood flow at various locations to assess circulatory disorders

  • Transcutaneous Oximetry (TCOM). A test that measures the oxygen level of tissue beneath the skin

  • Ultrasound Scans. Ultrasound scans are often used to diagnose carotid artery disease. These painless scans show us the severity of blockages in the vessels. More about vascular ultrasound scans

  • Venogram. X-ray imaging that uses a contrast agent to show blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or arms. This test is used to evaluate chronic venous insufficiency. More more about venograms