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When the sonographer examines the arteries going up the neck and into the brain. This includes the innominate or brachiocephalic, subclavian, vertebral, common carotid, internal carotid and external carotid arteries.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound Image

When the sonographer assesses the large artery in the abdomen that carries blood from the heart through the abdomen and into the legs with diagnostic ultrasound. Diameter measurements are taken to screen for a dilatation in the vessel wall, also known as an aneurysm or for follow up on a patient with a known abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound Image

When the sonographer assesses the main arteries leading to the kidneys and the kidney tissue, ensuring there is adequate blood flow.

Left Kidney Flow Ultrasound Image

When the sonographer assesses the patency of the blood flow in the arteries that feed the digestive system.

When the sonographer assesses the arteries in the arms and fingers. Segmental blood pressures can also be taken in the arms and fingers to assess patency.

When the sonographer assesses the arteries in the legs. Segmental pressures and pulse volume recording can also be included. The common iliac, external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, profunda, popliteal, anterior tibial, posterior tibial and peroneal arteries are typically assessed.

Lower Extremity Artery Ultrasound Image

When the sonographer assesses the veins in the neck and arms including the internal jugular, innominate, subclavian, axillary, brachial, ulnar, radial, cephalic and basilic veins.

When the sonographer assesses the veins in the legs including the external iliac, common femoral, femoral, popliteal, gastrocnemius, posterior tibial, peroneal, greater saphenous and small saphenous veins.

Lower Extremity Vein Ultrasound Image

When the sonographer assesses blood flow in the acquired arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft including inflow and outflow access sites.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is when the wall of the aorta weakens and bulges out. Treatment of the aneurysm will depend on the size of the aneurysm. Medicare Part B will cover a one-time AAA screening ultrasound examination if you have a family history an AAA. You may also qualify if you are a male ages 65 – 75 years old and have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime. An AAA is less common in women who have never smoked. Patients will need a referral from their doctor for this exam.

The vascular laboratory also performs physiological examinations on patients to assess arterial blood flow in the extremities. Physiologic testing includes taking segmental blood pressures and acquiring arterial waveforms at various levels in the extremities and digits. In addition, photoplethysmography can also be performed on the digits using an infrared light to investigate small blood vessels under the skin surface.

A common test performed in the vascular laboratory includes taking blood pressures in the arms and ankles and calculating the ratio between these pressures. This is called the ankle brachial index (ABI). A normal ABI is 0.95 – 1.3. Combined with arterial waveforms, this is a powerful and frequently used test to identify PAD and its severity.

Blood pressure cuffs can also be applied to the thigh, calf, ankle, foot and fingers. Arterial waveform recordings and segmental blood pressures can be performed on the extremities to determine the location of blockages in the arteries.

Physiological Testing Segmental Blood Pressure Cuffs

Physiologic exercise testing may also be performed which includes walking on a treadmill for five minutes or less at a comfortable speed and then taking blood pressures and arterial waveforms after exerting the muscles. This helps to identify whether symptoms are related to PAD.

Physiological Testing Results Report