Diagnosis of vascular disease begins with a careful medical history, including risk factors and physical exam (including symptoms, temperature of the skin, appearance of limbs and blood vessels, and presence or absence of pulses).
From this information, the vascular physician decides if further testing is needed. Non-invasive testing utilizes various types of technology to evaluate flow, perfusion and pressures within the vessels at rest and with exercise. These procedures are generally painless (no needles are involved) and can help to determine if blood vessel disease is present, the location, and severity. . From the results of these tests, the physician will determine the need for more invasive testing or procedures to treat vascular disease.
The non-invasive vascular laboratory at the Cleveland Clinic is committed to world class patient care and service. It is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories,* which means that the lab has a long-term commitment to high standards of quality patient care and monitoring.
Features of the non-invasive vascular laboratory include:
- Staff of 3 physicians, 15 full time vascular technologists, and one research technologist. Each study is reviewed and interpreted by one of three physicians.
- Two fully functional vascular laboratories are available for patient care. Diagnostic machines have portable capability to meet the needs of the entire Cleveland Clinic patient population.
- The lab is committed to meet the needs of patients and staff, including patients involved in research studies and outside physician referrals. One ultrasound machine is dedicated to research.
- Digital image management sets us apart from all vascular laboratories in terms of information processing and accuracy. Computer workstations allow the immediate transfer of digital information at the time of examination. and makes physician review of critical images more readily available. This system allows for review of duplex ultrasound examinations, arteriography, MRI and CT scans. It enables a direct comparison of different modalities of imaging for better and quicker correlation and quality assurance.
- Continuing education and a commitment to state-of-the-art technology allows for a knowledgeable and well-trained staff.
Studies performed in the non-invasive vascular laboratory include:
- Carotid artery ultrasound
- Renal artery ultrasound
- Aorta and peripheral artery ultrasound
- Pulse volume recordings of the upper and lower extremities
- Exercise and treadmill testing of both upper and lower extremities (respectively)
- Venous ultrasound of both the upper and lower extremities
- Venous reflux testing
- Vein mapping
- Arterial mapping studies
- Intra-operative duplex ultrasonography
- Lower extremity graft surveillance
The Cleveland Clinic non-invasive vascular lab is one of the busiest labs in the country. The average number of studies performed in one day ranges from 75-100 studies, not including research studies. This provides a highly skilled staff and an exceptional environment for education and training. An affiliation with the Oregon Institute of Technology* allows for education and training of vascular technology students. Additionally, we offer educational opportunities for outside vascular surgeons, vascular internists, cardiologists and ultrasound technologists who are interested in expanding their knowledge base and ultrasound skills.
For more information about visiting our vascular laboratory:
Contact Susan Whitelaw, RVT, Director of Education for the Vascular Laboratory
whitels@ccf.org
(216) 444-0778
*a new browser window will open with this link. The inclusion of links to other web sites does not imply any endorsement of the material on the web sites or any association with their operators
