Vascular Diagnostics
Our Facilities
Situated in the Outpatient Department next to our doctors’ clinics, the Vascular Lab specializes in several tests that look at the condition of arteries and veins and how well blood flows in these vessels. The tests are performed by qualified ultrasonographers who work closely with our doctors.
Tests are done to examine the blood vessels throughout the body. These tests help to diagnose and plan the treatment of many vascular diseases, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, aneurysms, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and vascular access (AV fistula). These tests are also used for surveillance and post-operative follow-up to monitor the success of surgery or endovascular procedures.
The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a test that uses inflatable pressure cuffs to assess blood flow in the legs and arms. The difference between the blood pressure from the ankle and the arm form the ABI ratio. The ABI ratio tells the doctors how the circulation in your legs is performing.
- Upper Limb Scans (Arterial/Venous):
Detailed examinations of the arterial and venous systems in the upper limbs, aiding in for the diagnosis of conditions affecting blood vessels.
- Lower Limb Arterial Ultrasound:
Assessment of blood flow in the leg arteries to identify blockages that may contribute to leg pain, poor wound healing, ulcers or gangrene.
- AVF Scans (Arteriovenous Fistula):
Specialised assessments of arteriovenous fistulas which involves vessel mapping, for individuals undergoing hemodialysis, ensuring optimal vascular access for the procedure.
- Varicose Vein Scans:
Thorough evaluation of varicose veins, providing insights into the extend of the venous disease and helping in the development of personalised treatment plans.
- Deep Vein Scans:
Imaging of deep veins to identify and assess conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, enabling timely intervention and management.
- Abdominal Aorta Scans:
Examination of the abdominal aorta to identify aneurysms, blockages or other abnormalities affecting the main blood vessel of the body.
- Carotid Scans:
Evaluation of the carotid arteries to identify and assess the risk of atherosclerosis, helping in the prevention of stroke and other vascular complications.
- Renal Duplex:
Specialised scans focusing on the renal arteries to detect conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys, essential for the management of hypertension and kidney function.
Besides outpatient screenings, our vascular laboratory also provides significant inpatient vascular support. The vascular sonographers play a role in supporting various specialties, demonstrating our commitment to full patient care. This inpatient support is important for handling different medical needs and ensuring our patients’ well-being.
- Ultrasound Precision in Procedures:
Sonographers conduct pre-procedural vessel scans to accurately size vessels. This step is important in high-risk cases, reducing potential complications and playing a role in planning procedures for interventions in cardiology and endovascular surgery.
- Specialised Dialysis Assistance:
The vascular sonographers provide critical assistance to dialysis nurses, especially in cases where patients face difficulties with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) punctures. The use of ultrasound ensures precise and effective punctures, enhancing the overall dialysis process.
- Vein Mapping for Cardiothoracic Surgeries:
In collaboration with cardiothoracic surgeons, the vascular team performs vein mapping before bypass surgeries involving saphenous vein harvest. Vein mapping provides valuable information about the size, location, and condition of the veins.
Done in our Radiology Department, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that uses a computer to make cross-sectional images of your body. CT angiography combines a CT scan with an injection of a special dye to produce pictures of blood vessels and tissues in a part of the body. The dye injected to perform CT angiography is called a contrast material because it “lights up” blood vessels and tissues that are being studied. These images are reconstructed to give 3D images of the arteries that are studied. These images will help surgeons to plan the best treatment for the patient’s condition.
CT angiography is frequently used to assess the aorta (chest and abdomen) and its branches for aneurysms and occlusions. It may also be used to assess the carotid arteries and the arteries to the lower limbs.
Hybrid Operating Theatre
A Hybrid Operating Theatre (Hybrid OT) is a room that combines a traditional Operating Theatre with an image-guided Interventional Suite. This combination allows us to do complex open surgery or advanced intervention procedures as well as a combination of both (Open surgery + Intervention procedures, also called Hybrid surgery) as a single procedure in the same patient. The Hybrid OT helps us to provide the optimal treatment and the best outcome for the patients.
Like a traditional Operating Theatre, our Hybrid OT is an aseptic room, equipped with a surgical table, operating lights and an anaesthetic machine. In addition, there is a state-of-the-art imaging system. Our imaging system is highly mobile. Using laser-guided technology, it is parked in a corner of the room when not in use. When it is needed, it will move to the required position beside the operating table to obtain the best imaging.
This state-of-art system is equipped with advanced imaging tools such as Fusion imaging and Rotational angiography.
- Fusion imaging is a novel technique that allows for the integration of highly detailed Computed Tomographic (CT) images with fluoroscopy this technic reduces the use of contrast medium in the procedure.
- Images from a previous CT scan are loaded and processed in a workstation to produce a 3D model of the vasculature, which is then merged with the live fluoroscopic images.
- Unlike conventional angiography, which gives us 2D images, Rotational angiography gives us CT-like 3D images. The C-Arm rotates around the patient and acquires a series of X-ray images. These images are then reconstructed through software algorithms into 3D images
What We Treat
The vascular system, responsible for circulating blood and lymph throughout the body, consists of arteries, veins, and lymph vessels.
- Arteries carry oxygenated blood to tissues.
- Veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
- Lymph vessels transport lymphatic fluid.
Vascular diseases can manifest in different ways, affecting blood flow and potentially leading to severe consequences.
- Arterial Narrowing or Blockage:
Conditions like Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) result from narrowed or blocked arteries, compromising blood flow to organs and structures such as the legs, leading to pain and critical limb ischemia.
- Weakened Arterial Walls:
Weakened arterial walls can cause bulging or swelling of the vessel (aneurysm), posing a risk of rupture and severe blood loss.
- Venous Issues:
Damaged valves causes varicose veins, affecting the circulation and swelling in the ankles.
- Cardiovascular Emergencies:
Critical situations like ruptured aortic aneurysms, acute limb ischemia, and vascular trauma demand immediate attention in the Emergency Department.
- Genetic Predisposition:
Genetic factors contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to vascular diseases, especially if there’s a family history of aneurysms or arterial blockages.
- Venous Thrombosis:
Blockages in veins result in thrombosis, affecting blood flow and posing risks of complications such as embolism.
Understanding these key reasons is vital for effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment at CVSKL’s specialized Vascular and Endovascular Program. With a multidisciplinary team and state-of-the-art facilities, the program addresses a spectrum of vascular diseases, emphasizing early detection and comprehensive care. Non-invasive vascular tests, advanced surgeries, and innovative interventions contribute to optimal patient outcomes.