Non-Invasive Imaging

Non-invasive imaging refers to a group of tests performed in our nationally accredited vascular lab located in our office at 91 Montvale Ave, Suite 208, Stoneham, MA. These vascular tests are literally not invasive and utilize the latest duplex ultrasound, phlethysmography, and doppler technology to diagnose and perform surveillance for various vascular diseases and conditions.

Diagnosis and management of many vascular diseases requires non-invasive testing. Examples include peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which often requires a phlethysmography (PVR) test for diagnosis. This test involves the placement of pressure cuffs at various locations on the legs and uses a probe to detect flow at each level as the cuffs are inflated and then deflated. If treatment has occurred, this test can be used to assess the efficacy of treatment and can also detect future problems.

 If stenting or a graft bypass was performed by your vascular surgeon, then duplex ultrasound is used for periodic surveillance to ensure that recurrent disease does not develop.

 Recurrent disease can cause narrowing that leads to occlusion of the stent or graft. By detecting this early, your vascular surgeon can intervene early to fix the problem and avoid a potential catastrophe. Carotid artery disease also requires duplex ultrasound for diagnosis and life-long surveillance of existing disease and following treatment. Additional conditions that similarly require these tests include abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), arterial-venous fistula (AVF) for dialysis, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), venous insufficiency, varicose veins, thoracic outlet syndrome and many others.

Patients can most often have the required test, which is performed by our professional, experienced, and nationally certified technician, and visit with their vascular surgeon at the same visit.