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Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory

Ultrasound can detect abnormal blood flow and other vascular conditions not visible to the naked eye

We Provide One Stop Vascular Imaging & Physician Consultations in the same Clinic

We offer convenient and coordinated care by offering our own on-site vascular laboratory. Our non-invasive vascular laboratory utilizes advanced imaging machines that look for vascular diseases that affect how well blood flows in the arteries and veins. We detect conditions not visible to the naked eye. Our laboratory is accredited by the Inter-societal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for Vascular Testing in veins.
Ultrasound Services are offered at both La Jolla and Vista locations!   To make an ultrasound appointment in La Jolla, call 858-550-0330.  To make an ultrasound appointment in Vista, call 760-249-7007

Our Vascular Lab offers of:

  • Non-invasive testing
  • Same-day imaging appointments
  • See a healthcare provider in the same location
  • Comfortable, private rooms
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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), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), aneurysms and venous insufficiency.

Arterial Exams

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An arterial ultrasound looks at the arteries in the legs to see if there is any narrowing or reduced blood flow from plaque build up.
Time: 60 Minutes
No special preparation needed.
A carotid ultrasound looks at the carotid arteries in your neck to see if there is any narrowing or reduced blood flow from plaque build up, this helps to rule out blockages that can lead to stroke.
Time: 45 Minutes
No special preparation needed.
An abdominal aortic ultrasound looks at your aorta artery in your abdomen to rule out an aneurysm and assess any plaque in the artery
Time: 45 Minutes
• Fasting 8-12 hours;
• Water is OK;
• Schedule in the morning.
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.
Time: 60 Minutes
No special preparation needed.

Venous Exams

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An ultrasound of the deep veins in your legs to rule out a blood clot
Time: 45 Minutes
No special preparation needed.
A venous insufficiency exam looks at the superficial veins in your legs to see if there is any reversed blood flow
Time: 75 Minutes
• Well hydrated
• Do NOT wear compression stocking same day as appointment.
An upper extremity ultrasound of the veins in your arms to see if there are any blood clots
Time: 60 Minutes
No special preparation needed.
Ultrasound of the abdomen/pelvis post venous intervention of the iliac vein
Time: 45 Minutes
• Fasting 8-12 hours;
• Water is OK;
• Schedule in the morning.

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; veins return the blood back to the heart and lungs for more oxygen. Vascular disease is when the blood vessels are no longer healthy and blood is not flowing efficiently. 

Artery Disease

  • Carotid artery disease and stroke (TIA or Stroke)*
  • Lower extremity arterial disease (PAD)**
  • Upper extremity arterial disease
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Vein Disease

  • Varicose Veins
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Deep Vein thrombosis

What is Duplex Ultrasound

Duplex ultrasound involves using high frequency sound waves to look at the speed of blood flow, and structure of the blood vessels. The term “duplex” refers to the fact that two modes of ultrasound are used, Doppler and B-mode. The B-mode transducer obtains an image of the vessel being studied. The Doppler probe within the transducer evaluates the velocity and direction of blood flow in the vessel.

The Vascular Lab offers of:

  • Non-invasive testing
  • Same-day imaging appointments
  • Follow-up clinic visits with our on-site vascular team

Direct testing
(duplex imaging)

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis- upper or lower extremity
  • Venous Reflux
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
  • Carotid Duplex
  • Lower Extremity Duplex

Indirect testing
(non-imaging)

  • Ankle brachial index (abi) with waveforms
  • Segmental pressures and waveforms (P&Ws)

book an appointment in Our center

To make an appointment or to inquire about how we can help you understand your treatment options.
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Veins

Venous Reflux or Venous Insufficiency

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 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 Vein 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

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

Arteries Testing and Screening

Who should get arterial screening?
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.

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 or reduced blood flow from plaque build up that can lead to a stroke.

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).

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.

Duplex Ultrasound

The duplex ultrasound evaluates the blood flow through your arteries and veins. There are several types of ultrasound tests.

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.

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.

Risk Factors for Stroke and Disease

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Tabacco Use
  • Diabetes
  • Family History
  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Sleep Apnea

Transient ischemic Attack (TIA)

  • Sudden Numbness
  • Trouble Speaking
  • Trouble Seeing
  • Dizziness
  • Severe Headache

Who Performs the test?

Accuracy is critical. Our ultrasounds are ALWAYS be performed by a credentialed sonographer, called a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). An RVT is a sonographer who completed a two-year ultrasound program, plus additional clinical training and obtained certification by meeting the highest standards by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®). It is important that a specially trained RVT perform the study, because a special protocol must be followed for each study to meet accreditation standards. The protocol involves taking images at certain anatomic locations using special waveforms to show blood flow. All images taken by the RVT are reviewed by the physician.

Read What Our Patients Have to Say

What a wonderful experience, I love the site and the staff are super knowledgeable and helpful. To actually have someone assess and conduct an ultrasound on my legs and veins is an absolute dream come true. Thank you for your help!

Chelsey G.

Wow, where do I begin… how about with 10 stars (5 isn’t enough!). I am very impressed with La Jolla Vein & Vascular. I visited the Vista office and was greeted by the most friendly team ever. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, they really make you feel valued… that’s important especially when you deal with bad anxiety. But they will put you at ease and they know exactly what they are doing. Everything is thoughtfully explained and you feel confident in their diagnosis and treatment plan. The office is so clean and professional. I wish all medical offices, doctors and staff were like this!

Rebeca T.

This practice is exceptional. All staff members are extremely nice and efficient. There is no wait time to be seen by appointment.Dr Steinberger is friendly, engaging, and highly competent.
I am very satisfied with the treatment and the experience in general.

Samantha R.

For Health Care Professionals

How to Refer?

Fax a referral form with supporting documentation to 858-550-0676.
For same day appointments, check ‘STAT’ box on the order and call us at 858-550-0330.
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Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a Harvard-trained, board-certified vascular interventional radiologist. She specializes in a broad range of superficial vein disease including varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and cosmetic laser vein treatments. Dr. Steinberger sees patients in our La Jolla Office.

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Depending on your insurance plan, you may or may not have out of pocket expenses. We work with your insurance providers to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
With Molina insurance plans, most patients should not have out of pocket expenses. We work with Molina to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!