Vascular disease treatments are more effective when the root cause is diagnosed. The diagnosis of vascular conditions often requires a series of tests to determine the nature and extent of the problem. The doctors at Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center can help identify underlying issues, as well as the severity of your condition.

Common vascular conditions

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  PAD is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce the flow of blood to your extremities.
• Carotid occlusive disease
  This disease causes a narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck. These blood vessels are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the brain.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms
  An enlargement of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood to the abdomen.
  
• Chronic venous insufficiency/varicose veins
  Damaged or impaired blood vessels in the legs that cause swelling, pain and skin changes.

Common vascular diagnostic evaluations

If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms of vein disease, please contact us so you we can diagnose your condition and treat it before it becomes worse. Diagnostic tests include:

• Angiography
  An angiogram is used to look at blood vessels in the head, arms, legs, back or abdomen. Special dye and a small camera are used to take pictures of blood flow in an artery or vein.
• Upper and lower arterial and venous exams
  Using a Doppler ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are used to measure the amount of blood flowing through your veins and arteries, usually the ones responsible for supplying your arms and legs with oxygen-rich blood.
• Carotid and vertebral artery exams
  A duplex ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to aid in the visualization of blood vessel walls and the examination of blood flow within the carotid and vertebral arteries.
• Renal, visceral and mesenteric artery exams
  This exam uses a Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow through the renal arteries, kidneys, intestines and other abdominal organs.
• Abdominal aorta exams
  An ultrasound is used to examine and diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms by identifying unusual enlargement of the aortic blood vessel.
• Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI)
  ABPI measures the ratio of blood pressure at the ankle to the blood pressure in the upper arm. Lower blood pressure is in the ankle is an indication of blocked arteries due to PAD.
• Bypass and hemodialysis graft evaluations
  Vein grafts are used to treat extensive arterial blockages. Regular graft evaluations are required at least every three months to monitor the health of the graft and detect problems while they are treatable.
• Venous reflux exams
  This test uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate veins in the arms and legs for reflux. Reflux occurs when there are damaged vein valves inside a blood vessel, causing blood to flow backward through the vein. Reflux is often associated with varicose veins, pain and swelling.
• Preoperative vein mapping
  This is a simple duplex exam of the upper and lower veins in the arms and legs. It identifies which veins can be used in a bypass surgery.
  

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of vascular disease, contact BRVSC at (225) 769-4493 to schedule an appointment. Regular check ups may help prevent vascular disease or complications associated with poor vein health.