Arterial Disease
Arteries are most commonly affected by blockages which impede the flow
of blood through an artery to its target tissues, and aneurysms, which are
abnormal enlargements of an artery than may predispose to potentially
catastrophic rupture or thrombosis.
Procedures commonly performed to treat arterial diseases include:
- Angioplasty and/or Stent Placement
- Endarterectomy
- Arterial Bypass
- Aneurysm Repair or Exclusion
Arteries & Arterial Disease
Arteries are thick-walled vessels which are subject to high pressures, due both to
the pumping action of the heart and the constriction of muscular fibers within
their walls.
Clinically, it is convenient to distinguish arteries and arterial disease that affects
different areas of the body. Cerebrovascular disease involves the circulation to
the head and, most importantly, the brain. Coronary artery disease involves the
circulation to the heart. Thoracic and abdominal aortic disease affects the
major artery, the aorta, which arises from the heart and delivers blood through
its branches to most of the body. Renovascular disease involves the circulation
to the kidneys. Visceral arterial disease involves the circulation to the abdominal
organs. Peripheral arterial disease involves the circulation to the upper and
lower extremities. |
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Arterial Screening
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside walls of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, internal organs, and limbs. This buildup of plaque on the artery walls is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked, which can reduce or block blood flow. Arterial screenings evaluate for peripheral arterial disease, by performing three quick, simple, and noninvasive tests.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
The most common test to detect significant peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities is the Ankle to Brachial Index (ABI). It is a simple Doppler blood pressure measurement comparing the blood pressures at the ankles to the arm blood pressures. The purpose of this test is to determine if the ratio of the blood pressure in the lower legs to the arm blood pressures is normal or abnormal. An abnormal ABI indicates arterial disease. The procedure consists of blood pressure cuffs being placed around the arms and ankles and a small ultrasound transducer used to listen for systolic pressures.
Carotid Artery Screening
A carotid duplex ultrasound is a great way to screen for blockages in the carotid arteries of the neck. The purpose of the carotid ultrasound is to evaluate the carotid arteries, with gray scale and color imaging to visualize the buildup of any fatty plaque and its severity. For the procedure an acoustic gel is applied to both sides of the neck and an ultrasound transducer is moved around the neck to visualize the vessels.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
This screening uses ultrasound to view the abdominal aorta, for an abnormal ballooning or enlargement of the vessel. The purpose of this scan is to visualize and measure the abdominal aorta to detect an enlargement of the artery. The procedure consists of using an acoustic gel on the abdomen and an ultrasound transducer, moved over the area to visualize the vessel and take measurements.
Pricing - Individual Screenings
Carotid Artery Screening - $45
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening - $45
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening - $45
Package
Complete Vascular Screening (3 tests ) - $125.00
Iowa City Thoracic & Vascular Home
