ARTERIAL Exam

Arterial Doppler/Ultrasounds are non-invasive harmless exams used to determine how effectively the blood is flowing through your arteries. It allows for tracking blood flow patterns and pressures to the upper and lower extremities. As we age, atherosclerotic plaque may build up in our arteries to some degree causing peripheral vascular diseases (PVD).

Upper Extremity Arterial Exam, observes arteries that deliver blood-flow to the arms. Using an upper extremity arterial ultrasound, physicians can discover more about the arteries in the upper arm such as location, extent, and severity of vascular disease. Evaluations can be performed from the subclavian artery to the wrist to facilitate better treatment resolution.

Digit Pressures can be used to help with the diagnosis of hand ischemia secondary to an arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis access. Diagnosis is predominately based on clinical findings which can be unclear so more objective diagnostic testing may be needed to determine if the ischemia is related to the AV access or not.

Lower Extremity Arterial Duplex Exam, observes the arteries that deliver blood-flow to the legs. It makes use of high-frequency sound waves, which detects blockages of the arteries in the legs and ranks the severity of these obstructions.

Doppler ABI (Ankle-Brachial-Index) is essential to detect peripheral vascular disease (PVD). To determine the severity of peripheral vascular disease, it takes the ratio of systolic blood pressures in the arms and legs. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is diagnosed using the ankle- brachial index (A.B.I.). The A.B.I. is used to compare the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. This test measures how well your limbs are receiving blood. A.B.I. can tell if your limbs are affected by P.A.D. Although P.A.D. is most commonly found in the arteries of the lower legs, it can also affect other arteries that transport blood outside the heart. Aortic, brain, arm, kidney, and stomach arteries are all included in this category.

Toe Brachial Index (T.B.I.) is a frequently used vascular physiological assessment test to identify the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the lower limbs. TBI is commonly used in combination with the ABI (Ankle Brachial Index) test, or when the ABI cannot be assessed or is inaccurate. Additionally, a Toe Brachial Index test is indicated in the presence of leg pain during walking, and when recognized, risk factors for Peripheral Artery Disease exist. TBI measurements are quick, painless, and non-invasive.

Exercise Study for Arterial Doppler of upper and lower extremities may be needed to diagnose certain syndromes. Claudication or pain with movement especially in the lower extremities may indicate decreased blood flow through the major arteries of the arms and legs. This may indicate a syndrome called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).