FWNC VASCULAR LABORATORY
With the development of non-invasive techniques to accurately diagnose cerebral vascular disorders and disease, testing has become easier and safer for both patients and clinicians. High definition imaging, complemented by technological advances such as color power angio, allows the clinician to obtain highly dependable diagnosis without fear of contradictions. FWNC maintains a full-service vascular lab at its Lake Avenue site. Not only does this help speed the evaluation and treatment of our patients, but its more convenient for both patients and doctors.
Non-Invasive Techniques for Evaluating Vascular Disorders
With the development of non-invasive techniques to accurately diagnose cerebral vascular disorders and disease, testing has become easier and safer for both patients and clinicians. High definition imaging, complemented by technological advances such as color power angio, allows the clinician to obtain highly-dependable diagnoses without fear of contraindications.
Physicians and patients alike can benefit from today's technology at the Fort Wayne Vascular Lab. We use industry-leading, non-invasive equipment to aid the clinician in diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. For example, our ATL HDI 3000 digital computerized system provides the most accurate and complete diagnostics available today. This allows physicians to begin treating vascular problems more quickly and more effectively than ever before.
The Fort Wayne Vascular Lab conducts cerebral vascular examinations under the direction of the neurology staff of the Fort Wayne Neurological Center. Peripheral arterial and venous examinations are directed and interpreted by board-certified cardiovascular surgeons of either Fort Wayne Cardiovascular Surgeons or Cardiovascular Associates. All vascular examinations are performed by a registered vascular technologist.
Cerebral Vascular Examination
Indications:
- Carotid bruits
- Focal and neurological symptoms
- Stroke
- Follow-up on known carotid plaques
- Post-op endarterectomy
The typical cerebral vascular examination can consist of three complementary procedures:
- Digital Sonography provides an image of the carotid and vertebral arteries. This allows the technologist to identify the presence and morphology, or shape, of intimal plaques. With Doppler Color Flow imaging, blood flow direction and relative velocities are detected and displayed throughout the ultrasound image.
- Transcranial Imaging can be performed to evaluate any effects inside the cranium of carotid blockages outside the skull. This detects an abnormal velocity and waveform in the MCA above an asymptotic ICA narrowing which could warrant surgery. In addition, collateral pathways can be diagnosed when there is an ICA blockage.
- Periorbital Doppler ultrasound detects the presence of collateral flow in the ophthalmic artery in cases of high-grade narrowing or blockage of the internal carotid artery.
Peripheral Arterial Evaluation
Indications For Lower Extremities:
- Leg pain of unknown cause
- Rest pain
- Claudications (includes stress testing)
- Foot lesion
- Assessment of BK amputation healing
- Baseline study prior to vascular surgery
- Post-op follow-up (graft potency, etc.)
Indications For Upper Extremities:
- Subclavian narrowing
- Post-op graft surgery
- Access shunt for renal dialysis
The Pulse Volume Recorder (PVR) is a screening procedure to rule out the possibility of severe peripheral arterial blockage disease. Using the PVR allows the technologist to diagnose disease early to prevent major complications.
This plethysmographic technique provides information regarding the degree of blockage, the amount of collateralization and local perfusion.
Color Flow Duplex sonography can be performed for diagnosis of arterial narrowing or blockages, aneurysms, follow-up of bypass grafts or to localize stenotic lesions prior to balloon angioplasty procedures.
Non-Invasive Venous Evaluation
Indications For Extremities:
- Suspected thrombophlebitis
- Screening for deep venous thrombosis (blood clots)
- Unilateral or bilateral edema
- Follow-up during and after anti-coagulant therapy
At Fort Wayne Vascular Lab, we always use Color Doppler ultrasonography for venous examinations. This instrument's high-resolution ultrasound permits direct visualization of deep veins, venous valves, and actual clots within the venous lumen. The Color Doppler allows the technologist to see any venous collateralization. This is important in characterizing the age of the clot and predicting its stability. The two modalities combined permit an excellent assessment of obstruction to venous outflow. In addition, it can demonstrate the reflux of blood through incompetent venous valves.
Susan Beymer, FWNC Technologist
Susan Beymer is Fort Wayne Neurological Center's Registered Vascular Technologist. Ms. Beymer conducts cerebral vascular, peripheral arterial and venous examinations.
Scheduling
All examinations take place at the Fort Wayne Neurological Center, 2622 Lake Ave. and 7910 W. Jefferson Blvd. by a registered technologist. Results of testing are available on a stat basis by fax or phone at the referring physician's request.
To schedule examination, call 1.800.866.6463 or 260.460.3200. The laboratory receptionist will schedule the examinations at the site nearest you. Patient insurance information will be requested at the time of scheduling.