Vascular
The Orlando Heart Center Vascular Lab has been granted the
unique, coveted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the
Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICVAL)
www.icavl.org.
Accreditation status signifies that our facility has been reviewed by
an independent agency which recognizes our commitment to quality
carotid ultrasound, peripheral arterial Doppler, and peripheral venous
doppler examinations.
Carotid ultrasound (photo above) and doppler examination
is a non-invasive, painless, scanning of the neck arteries using high
frequency sound waves to detect plaque buildup. Your physician may
order this test if stethoscope examination of the neck arteries
reveals sounds called "bruits". The amount and location of blocked
arteries helps guide therapy and is an important part of stroke
prevention.
Peripheral arterial doppler examination is performed by
measuring blood pressures and doppler waveforms at multiple levels of
the arms or legs. The severity and location of blocked arteries can be
approximated. Occasionally treadmill exercise is added to help
differentiate the pain caused by blocked leg arteries, known as "claudication",
versus leg pain caused by nerve irritation in the back.
Peripheral venous doppler studies detect blood clots in the leg
or arm veins. They are frequently ordered for painful or swollen
extremities.
Patient Preparation:
No special preparation is required for vascular studies.
