Non invasive procedures are those that are performed on the outside of your body and don't require the use of needles, catheters or dye.

Our experienced Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory at Grandview and Southview Hospitals are accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) since 1993, performing approximately 9,000 tests a year.

Each test is reviewed and interpreted by one of the vascular surgeons. (Keep the boxed bullets and links to those pages describing each service, aorta ultrasound, carotid, etc.)

How do I prepare for my test?
Since many different tests are performed in the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory, please contact the department directly to get specific instructions for your scheduled test. Most of the test takes about one hour to complete. Generally for any test that will be looking at your aorta, kidneys or any part of your abdomen or stomach, you need to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test. This includes refraining from smoking and chewing gum and drinking coffee. For tests on your legs, arms and neck, there are not any restrictions. Again, if you are unsure, please call the department during 8:00 am and 4:00 pm the day before your test to make sure.

How will I get the results?
Our technologist will do their best to answer any questions you may have during your test, however will not be able to give you any results. After the doctor has reviewed your test, the final results will be forwarded to the ordering physician as soon as possible. Your doctor will then make arrangements to get the results to you either by appointment or over the phone.

How will I be billed?
Every ultrasound test will have at least two parts. The technical part of the test is the part that is performed by the technologist. The professional part is the physician's interpretation. You are your insurance company will generally get a separate component for each part, although you may receive only one combined bill for both parts.

If your test is done at the hospital, you will be billed by the hospital for the technical part of the test. You will then receive a separate bill from the interpreting physician for the professional part (the interpretation) of the test.

We are part of the Kettering Health Network. Your insurance company should be able to provide detailed information or answer any questions you have about your particular plan.

An aneurysm occurs when part of the arterial wall weakens and becomes thinner. The weakened wall stretches and expands like a balloon. This may increase the possibility of rupture.

Gel is applied to the abdomen. A transducer is than placed over the gel-covered area to obtain images and evaluate blood flow in the aorta.

Common Indications:

• Unexplained Back Pain
• Severe Abdominal Pain

We use sound waves or ultrasound to listen to blood flow and to visualize the arteries of the neck and head directly.

Gel is applied to the skin of the neck. A transducer is placed on the gel-covered area to obtain images and evaluate the blood flow in the arteries.

In the case of blockage, our very sophisticated imaging techniques allow for detailed evaluation of the plaque and analysis of the blood flow changes caused by the blockage.

Common Indications:

• Numbness or weakness of one side of the body, involving the arm, leg or face
• Temporary loss of vision in one eye
• Falling for no apparent reason
• Difficulty speaking
• Blurred or double vision

*There is no risk to you while having this test and it is not painful.

A variety of noninvasive techniques have been developed and can be performed to evaluate for peripheral arterial disease.

Many of the studies use sound waves to listen to blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) or image the arteries, special recording devices, or blood pressures to obtain information about arterial blood flow in the extremities.

Exercise may be included in the test to assess the tolerance, limitations and symptoms experienced with exercise.

Common Indications:

• Limping
• Pain while at rest
• Tissue necrosis (gangrene)
• Diminished pulses

One of the functions of the kidneys is to regulate the body's blood pressure. Renal artery blockage can cause high blood pressure or hypertension. At Grandview and Southview Hospitals, we use duplex imaging to evaluate renal artery blood flow.

Gel is applied to the abdomen. A transducer is than placed on the gel-covered area to obtain images and evaluate blood flow in the arteries and veins.

Common Indications:

• Uncontrolled Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Color flow duplex imaging has become the gold standard for the evaluation of patients who may have blood clots (venous thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis) or problems with the valves in the veins.

For this procedure, gel is applied to the skin of the legs or arm. A transducer is placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate blood flow in the veins.

This technique can tell us the difference between acute and chronic thrombus. DVT refers to the development of a blood clot within the deep vein resulting in partial or total blockage of blood flow or possible blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism).

Common Indications:

• Acute swelling lasting less than 2 days
• Pain
• Redness
• Post-surgical limb swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Ulceration
• Varicose Veins