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.

AT LA JOLLA VEIN CARE, WE PROVIDE OUR OWN ON-SITE VASCULAR IMAGING. During Covid we also offering in-home ultrasounds.

The vascular lab examines blood vessels throughout the body that feed major organs and tissue. These tests can help diagnose and treat many vascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), stroke, aneurysms and venous insufficiency.

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.

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.

The Duplex Ultrasound examination allows us to visualize the blood vessels that are not visible to the naked eye, even blood vessels that are deep within the muscles.  Ultrasound looks at deep and superficial veins in the legs to check for venous-valvular incompetence (the underlying condition that causes varicose veins). The ultrasound examination is used to both identify the veins that have faulty valves and to map the anatomy of the veins, creating a ‘road map.’  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 should be done for any individual being evaluated for varicose veins, leg swelling, patients who have failed prior treatment, patients who are symptomatic and in some patients with certain anatomic patterns of spider veins.

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.

Vein Conditions May Not Be Visible to the Naked Eye: Venous ultrasound imaging is important in determining if an underlying vein problem exists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

*In accordance with USPSTF and the AHA, ultrasound screening abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men get 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 evaluatons for symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or stroke.

For more information on Vascular Health please visit our online library to view and download pdfs on many issues of vein disease.