Bonita Springs Arterial Studies | Diagnostic Exams

What are Arterial Studies?

Bonita Springs Arterial Studies

Bonita Springs arterial studies, including Duplex Imaging, are very useful in the diagnosis of suspected arterial pathology. Starting with the cerebrovascular system, extra-cranial carotid duplex imaging is very accurate in determining the presence and severity of atheromatous disease involving the carotid bifurcation and the vertebral and subclavian arterial beds. (order: Carotid Duplex Scan)

The abdominal aorta is also a good candidate for color duplex ultrasound evaluation, most commonly used to determine the presence and size of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).  Although other testing modalities such as CT scan or angiography are often required before repair of AAA, ultrasound remains the most cost effective screening method of diagnosing AAA. (order: Abdominal Aortic Duplex Scan, preparation required)

The renal and mesenteric arterial vascular beds are also amenable to non-invasive evaluation for presence of arterial occlusive disease. (order: Renal or Mesenteric Duplex Scan)

Segmental Pressure and Waveform Analysis

Indicated for patients with suspected peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) and is the single most helpful diagnostic exam in terms of accurately identifying and localizing the level of disease. Severity of PAD is accurately stratified based on pressure gradients and waveform analyses of the legs and arms with comparison rations calculated and referred to as Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). For patients with suspected PAD, the ankle brachial index is an excellent starting point. (order: ABI)

A more comprehensive exam for PAD is the Lower Extremity Arterial Flow study (LEAFs), which accurately delineates the anatomic level of obstruction as well as the severity of the disease. (ABI can be converted to LEAFs at time of exam if ABI is abnormal). (order: LEAFs)