Vascular Conditions

Carotid Artery Disease

Arteries are the blood vessels that deliver nutrients and oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.  The carotid arteries are located in your neck and carry blood to your brain.  Over time, the carotid arties can narrow, reducing the flow of blood to the brain, which can result in a mini-stroke or stroke.  Once carotid artery disease is diagnosed, several treatment options are available. 

Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Disease
Your doctor will take a complete medical history, conduct a physical exam and perform a number of tests to confirm diagnosis and to measure the extent of the blockages.  These test may include:

• A Carotid Duplex Test- Listening for a change in the sound of blood flow.  Duplex includes a Doppler test and uses sound waves to create an image to view a blood vessel and the blood flowing through it. 
• Computed Tomography (CAT Scan) - Produces a series of cross-sectional X-rays of the head or body, and may reveal medical conditions other than carotid  artery problems that could explain your symptoms.
• Carotid Angiography - Dye is injected into the blood vessels, and a computer is used to create images that more clearly show where a blockage may be.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography - Very detailed images are taken as you lie on a padded table surrounded by a cylinder.

Indications for Surgery
If diagnostic tests show large blockages or extensive  ulcers in the carotid artery, surgery may be recommend to reduce the chance of stroke.

An aneurysm is when a weakened part of a blood vessel expands like a balloon.  This could happen anywhere in the body.  An aneurysm in the main blood vessel in the stomach area is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA>  This forms when part of the wall of the abdominal aorta weakens.  The wall expands like a balloon, and becomes thinner and weaker.  If it becomes too thin, it may rupture and cause abdominal bleeding and possibly death.

Diagnosing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Several tests help in diagnosing AAA:

• Physical Examination.
• Duplex study of the aorta to measure hemodynamic changes and images of the diameter of the aorta.
• CAT Scan.

Emergency tests for diagnosis of blockages in the arms and legs are offered seven days a week:

• Vein mapping prior to open-heart surgery to guide the cardiothoracic surgeon in vein harvest.
• Trivex surgery for superficial varicose veins.
• Chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis and treatment both by vascular surgery department and/or Wound Care Center.
• Injection of varicose veins (sclerotherapy).