Radiology and Lab Services
Vascular Lab
Noninvasive Services

Early detection of vascular disease is essential to avoid a life-threatening situation. Early detection is possible through noninvasive vascular testing techniques performed within St. Rita's Medical Center's Vascular Laboratory.

A noninvasive (without surgery or general anesthesia) vascular laboratory is a specially designed laboratory with equipment and personnel to accurately diagnose problems of the vascular system (the arteries and veins in the circulatory system). The improvement in ultrasound and other technology has brought the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory to the forefront in the diagnosis of vascular disease.

Some of the tests done in the Vascular Lab include:

  • Peripheral Studies
  • Doppler Studies of the Arms and Legs
  • Doppler Studies of the Carotid Artery
  • Segmental Pressure and Various Other Venous Studies

The tests performed in the laboratory include those to evaluate disease in the carotid arteries (large arteries on each side of the neck that supply blood to the brain) for stroke risk, circulation in the legs or evaluation of abdominal aorta for aneurysm (a ballooning of a vessel that may lead to rupture) or causes of hypertension (high blood pressure). Evaluation of leg or arm veins for blood clots or swelling and for causes of varicose veins.

One of the most common vascular diseases that can be detected by vascular lab services is stroke, sometimes called a brain attack. This occurs when blood flow is interrupted to areas of the brain and brain cells begin to die. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability in this country. Each year two million people in the United States alone develop deep vein thrombosis - blood clots in the veins. This becomes life-threatening for nearly one fourth of those people when the blood clot breaks loose and travels in the circulatory system causing obstruction. With early detection through the use of noninvasive vascular testing, this disease is preventable.

For More Information
Radiology and Imaging Services:
(419) 226-9168

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(800) 437-4827

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Definition:
Since 1990, the term stroke has been called "brain attack." The thinking in redefining stroke to brain attack is the need to take emergency action if someone is experiencing symptoms. Time is a critical factor in treating acute stroke or brain attack to achieve a better outcome.
-Source: National Stroke Association