Investigating vascular health.

At Richmond Vascular Center, we perform a variety of non-invasive tests to diagnose and treat medical problems. These tests are safe and painless, and help our physicians diagnose poor blood flow in the arteries and veins.

What to Know

The vascular studies performed at Richmond Vascular Center utilize ultrasound technology (high frequency sound waves) to generate computer images. Our expert physicians use these pictures to identify and evaluate the body's circulatory system, identify blockages, and detect blood clots. Depending on your symptoms, past or current condition, you may receive one of the following non-invasive tests:

Abdominal Aorta Evaluation
Ultrasound is used to generate images that can evaluate and measure your aorta and nearby blood vessels. During this painless test, images are reviewed for aneurysms or narrowing. The physician will then discuss with you a proper diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.

Cerebrovascular Evaluation
An ultrasound probe is gently pressed against your neck and the sound waves create images of your carotid arteries. These images determine if there is a narrowing of the arteries. The physician will review these images to determine the proper diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.

Dialysis Access Evaluation
Vein mapping is the use of ultrasound imaging to map the arteries and veins prior to creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of arteriovenous graft (AVG) for use during dialysis. These images guide the physician on which vessels will work best for non-surgically or surgically creating your new AVF/AVG. Sometimes, ultrasound imaging is helpful in detecting early onset problems with your AVF/AVG, which could prevent you from being able to dialyze properly. These images also help the physician locate the problem area(s) within the vessel and properly treat it.

Peripheral Arterial Evaluation
The test will begin with blood pressure readings taken along your leg to determine if arterial disease is present. If indicated, a second test can be performed on the leg, using ultrasound guidance. This test can evaluate blood flow at specific sites along the leg(s). The images reveal the size and shape of an artery's passageway, as well as any blockages.

Peripheral Venous Evaluations
Using ultrasound, our skilled technologists can diagnose problems with your veins. Sound waves are used to create images that show the size and shape of veins, as well as blood flow. An ultrasound probe is also used to listen for changes in blood flow that may indicate a clot or valve issue.

Visceral Vascular Evaluation
Like an abdominal aorta evaluation, this test uses an ultrasound probe to get images of the abdomen to evaluate renal and mesenteric vessels for possible narrowing.