La Jolla Vein Care and Vascular Imaging Center utilizes advanced imaging machines that look for vascular diseases that may affect how well blood flows in the arteries and veins. As an accredited Vein Center, we are expanding our services in vascular imaging to offer comprehensive diagnostic vascular testing. Our laboratory is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for Vascular Testing.
Expertise & Medical Staff
The Vascular Sonography staff are clinically skilled and are RVT credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
The Vascular Lab’s director, Dr. Sarah Lucas is a board-certified vascular surgeon and holds a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation® (RPVI®) certification, which documents the highest standard in vascular ultrasound interpretation.
AT LA JOLLA VEIN CARE, WE
PROVIDE OUR OWN ON-SITE
VASCULAR IMAGING
As a result, patients enjoy the convenience of in-office
vascular imaging instead of hospital-based imaging
What is vascular disease?
Vascular refers to the blood vessels in the body. There are two main types of blood vessels; the arteries and veins. Arteries bring oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every inch of the body; vein return the blood back to the heart and lungs for more oxygen. Vascular disease is when the blood vessels are no longer healthy.
Common types of vein disease include:
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Deep venous thrombosis
Common types of artery disease includes:
- Carotid artery disease and stroke (TIA or Stroke)*
- Lower extremity arterial disease (PAD)**
- Upper extremity arterial disease
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
At La Jolla Vein Care, we specialize in the treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency and the vascular imaging of vascular diseases affecting the arteries and veins.
What is Duplex Ultrasound?
Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler flow information and conventional imaging information, sometimes called B-mode, to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels. Duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to get images of your blood vessels. It also helps determine how fast blood moves through the vessels. It can also be useful to estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessel. Using duplex ultrasound technology, the structure of your blood vessels, the valve function, the movement of your red blood cells and direction of blood flow through the vessels, and any blockages or blood clots can be seen.
Diseases of the blood vessels can affect both veins and arteries.
Vein Mapping
A vein mapping ultrasound is used to map the anatomy of the veins, creating a ‘road map.’ The vein diameters are also measured at various points. This is necessary to make an accurate assessment of the cause and extent of the varicose veins, as well as to formulate the best treatment plan. This study is performed prior to undergoing a vein procedure.
Before your test: This study does not require any preparation. You should not wear your compression stockings the same day as the examination. Make sure to be hydrated.
Deep Venous Thrombosis
A deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. This is a serious medical condition because the blood clot can travel from the deep venous system to the lungs and cause a lethal pulmonary embolism. A DVT can be diagnosed by an experienced vascular sonographer with a Duplex ultrasound examination. A DVT study is performed when a person has signs and symptoms of a lower extremity DVT such as leg pain and swelling. It may also be performed routinely after a vein procedure or other surgery.
Before your test: This study does not require any preparation.
Upper Extremity Venous Study (UEV)
Ultrasound of the upper arms and neck. This study is performed to assess the deep and superficial venous system to determine the presence or absence when a person has signs and symptoms of a lower pain and swelling in arms.
Arteries
Ankle-Brachial Index
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a test that uses inflatable pressure cuffs to assess blood flow in the legs and arms.
Duplex Ultrasound
The duplex ultrasound evaluates the blood flow through your arteries and veins. There are several types of ultrasound tests:
Lower Extremity Arterial study (LEA)
Ultrasound of the arteries within the lower legs. This study is designed to see if plaque has formed within the arteries, blocking the blood flow. This is also called atherosclerosis; hardening of the arteries.
Upper Extremity Arterial Study (UEA)
Ultrasound of the arteries within the upper arms and neck. This study is designed to see if plaque has formed within the arteries, blocking the blood flow. This is also called atherosclerosis; hardening of the arteries.
Carotid Artery Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck to identify or rule out blockages that can lead to a stroke
Renal Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the blood flow to the kidney to evaluate if there are significant blockages to the kidneys.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the abdomen for identification and evaluation of aneurysmal disease of the aorta and its branches, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Who Should Get Arterial Screenings?
* In accordance with USPSTF and the AHA, ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men ages 65-75 years who have ever smoked.
*Because people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have this increased risk for heart attack and stroke, the American Heart Association encourages people at risk or over the age 55 to discuss PAD with their healthcare professional to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
Carotid Artery Ultrasounds are routine evaluaton for symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or stroke.
*Symptoms of TIA or stroke include:
Sudden numbness
Trouble speaking
Trouble seeing
Dizziness
Severe headaches
Risk factors for stroke and arterial disease:
High blood pressure
Tabaco use
Diabetes
Family history
Age
Obesity
Sleep apnea
Our mission is to provide our expertise and specialized training to improve your vascular health, in a one-stop convenient setting. Our comprehensive vein care and vascular imaging center help patients take control of their vascular health.
For more information on Vascular Health we have made fliers available to read and download.
La Jolla Vein Care
9850 Genesee Avenue
Suite 410
La Jolla, California 92037-1212
Tel: (858) 434-5998
Fax: (858) 550-0676
info@lajollaveincare.com
Suite 410
La Jolla, California 92037-1212
Tel: (858) 434-5998
Fax: (858) 550-0676
info@lajollaveincare.com
