Our On-Site Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory
Founded in 1977, and one of the first accredited vascular laboratories in the nation, the Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory assists patients in recognizing the signs and symptoms of vascular disease.
The laboratory’s seven clinically skilled Registered Vascular Technologists are credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and work closely with the vascular surgeons in the clinical setting to ensure streamlined patient care and accurate results. Their early experiences range from academia to enterprise facilities to experience strictly in vascular surgery practice. Operating our own laboratory with technologists on staff affords us the ability to be extremely responsive and precise with diagnosis and treatment. The four interpreting physicians are board certified in vascular surgery and also hold ARDMS credentials.
With five locations in the East Bay, and Accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) the Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory performs over 8,000 procedures annually, serving patients in the communities of San Leandro, San Ramon, Hayward and Alameda. Our top-of-the-line equipment is furnished with state-of-art technology to ensure the most accurate information acquisition.
Laboratory hours are 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, with a technologist available limited hours on weekends for hospital patients on an emergent basis.
To reach our vascular lab, please call 510-347-9106.
Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory Procedures
The vascular system includes arteries and veins with the arteries delivering blood from the heart to the organs and extremities, and the veins delivering blood back to the heart from the organs and extremities.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), results from blockages in the arteries that restrict blood flow to your limbs. The disease occurs progressively over time so patients may not experience symptoms initially.
Carotid artery evaluation – A carotid ultrasound is performed to test for narrowed carotid arteries, which increase the risk of stroke.
Abdominal vascular evaluation
- Abdominal aorta – evaluation of the main artery in your abdomen for abnormalities such as aneurysms (abnormal enlargement of the artery) or narrowing in the artery and decrease of blood flow.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) – evaluation of the main vein in your abdomen for abnormalities that include decreased size or constriction and blood clots.
- Renal artery exam – A renal vascular evaluation examines the arteries and veins that go to the kidneys and within the kidneys. Narrowing of the renal artery can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and can contribute to renal failure.
- Mesenteric – evaluation of the arteries and veins of the liver, spleen, and intestines.
- Hepatoportal – evaluation of the arteries and veins that are involved with the liver. Evalution assesses the quality and blood flow within the liver or possible blood clots within the portal vein and/or hepatic vein.
- Dialysis access – includes preoperative vein mapping of the arms and legs for placement of a dialysis access. If there is a current access, evaluate for the quality of blood flow within the access and outflow veins.
Arterial upper/lower arterial evaluation
- Duplex Imaging of the upper and lower extremity arteries evaluates for peripheral vascular disease and other abnormalities such as aneurysms or an abnormal enlargement of the artery.
- Physiologic testing – A test that evaluates the circulation in the legs or arms, by comparing blood pressure at different levels in the arms or legs. The test shows reduced or blocked blood flow to your arms or legs which could indicate the presence of peripheral vascular disease.
- Venous upper/lower evaluation – The evaluation of the veins in the legs or arms for blood clots. In the legs, evaluation may include looking for venous insufficiency or evaluation of varicose veins.
Screenings
- Aorta – a limited evaluation of the abdominal aorta to determine the presence of aneurysms or bulging of the arterial wall.
- Carotid – limited evaluation of the arteries in the neck that provide blood flow to the brain to determine the presence of atherosclerotic disease.
- Lower extremity artery perfusion – a limited evaluation of pressures taken at the ankle and arms at rest to determine if there is adequate blood flow to your legs.
