Vascular Testing

What is vascular testing?

Vascular testing refers to diagnostic procedures used to monitor the blood flow in your arteries and veins. These tests are safe and usually well-tolerated. 

Heart Vascular and Leg Center conducts vascular testing on-site as outpatient procedures. This means you’re able to return home on the same day as your appointment.

Why would I need vascular testing?

The team at Heart Vascular and Leg Center uses vascular testing to:

• Check for signs and symptoms of decreased blood flow
• Assess previous procedures used to restore blood flow
• Assess vascular dialysis devices
• Pinpoint the underlying cause of circulatory problems

You might also benefit from vascular testing if you’re living with a chronic condition that decreases blood flow through your arteries or veins, such as atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, or diabetes.  

What are the different types of vascular testing?

Heart Vascular and Leg Center offers several types of vascular testing, including:

CO2 Angiography

CO2 Angiography is a vascular test used to capture images of your blood vessels. Before testing, you undergo light anesthesia. Once you’re comfortable, your provider inserts a catheter into your upper thigh and guides it through a blood vessel all the way to your heart. After placing the catheter, your provider injects carbon dioxide into the vessel.

The carbon dioxide passes through your arteries, and your provider takes a series of X-rays that document the flow of blood.

Angiography

Angiography is very similar to CO2 angiography. The only difference is that your provider injects a special dye into your catheter. As the dye flows through the catheter and into your arteries, your provider takes a series of X-rays to document blood flow.

Intravascular ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasound is a vascular test used to map the inside of your arteries. Before testing, you undergo light anesthesia. When the anesthesia takes effect, your provider attaches a small ultrasound device to a catheter. Your provider guides the catheter through an incision in your groin, through the femoral artery and to the area (or areas) of concern.

The ultrasound device provides 3D images of your arteries, alerting your provider to areas of weakness, damage, or dysfunction.    

What type of vascular testing will benefit me?

Only a qualified cardiologist can determine the type of vascular testing that will benefit you the most. Following a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms, your Heart Vascular and Leg Center provider can recommend a test that best aligns with your individual needs.

To explore your vascular testing options further, schedule an appointment at Heart Vascular and Leg Center. Call the office or book a consultation online today.