Vascular Diagnostic, Screening & Prevention Services

Vascular Medicine
Vascular Medicine

People with vascular disease have an increased risk of potentially disabling or fatal conditions including:

  • Aneurysm of the aorta, the body’s main artery
  • Stroke due to blockage in the carotid arteries, which carry blood to the brain
  • Impaired circulation in the legs, which can lead to serious disability

In many cases these conditions can become quite serious before they produce symptoms, so detecting these diseases early can significantly reduce the risk of death and disability. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we offer a complete range of state-of-the-art, noninvasive vascular imaging tests to diagnose every form of vascular disease—even in its earliest stages. To learn more about your risk for vascular disease, you can find a Vascular Screening Program in one of our convenient locations throughout the metropolitan area.

Vascular Screening Program

The NewYork-Presbyterian Vascular Screening Program offers three painless and noninvasive tests:

  • Carotid Duplex (carotid artery ultrasound scan) to detect stenosis or narrowing of the carotid arteries
  • Abdominal Duplex (aorta ultrasound scan) to detect abnormalities in the aorta
  • Ankle Brachial Index (test of blood flow in the legs) to detect reduced blood flow to muscles and tissues in the leg

Who should get screened for vascular disease?

People over 60 with one or more of the following risk factors, and everyone over 50 who has a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, should be screened for vascular disease. Risk factors include:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Coronary (heart) artery disease
  • Family history of vascular disease
  • Prior stroke or “mini” stroke
  • Known peripheral (non-cardiac) vascular disease

Noninvasive Diagnostic, Preventive & Screening Services

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our ICAVL (Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories)-accredited Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory provides a full range of noninvasive diagnostic, preventive, and screening services. Our experienced team has a proven track record of delivering the most accurate diagnostic exams for the early detection and diagnosis of a variety of vascular diseases. We use only state-of-the-art ultrasound and Doppler equipment and offer the highest quality, comprehensive and personalized care during your examination.

All of our certified technicians are committed to keeping on the forefront of new advances in vascular ultrasound and work side-by-side with our renowned vascular specialists to ensure the continuation of your care. The Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory offers a full range of vascular studies and testing performed in our spacious and private exam rooms ensuring a comprehensive and comfortable visit. Our services include but are not limited to:

  • Venous ultrasound of upper and lower extremities for varicose vein evaluation; detection of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and SVT (superficial vein thrombosis) **varicose Vein treatments performed on-site
  • Carotid duplex ultrasound for detection of carotid artery disease and stroke prevention
  • Aortic ultrasound for detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms; surveillance of aortic endograft and aortic open repair
  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI) with pulse volume recordings (PVR) to assess blood flow and arterial blockage in the arms and legs
  • Arterial duplex imaging of upper and lower extremities for evaluation of native arteries, bypass grafts, and stents
  • Dialysis access evaluation for evaluation and surveillance of dialysis AV grafts and fistulas
  • Renal artery duplex scanning for diagnosis of renal artery stenosis and work-up of renovascular hypertension
  • Visceral artery duplex ultrasound for the diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia
  • General vascular screening for carotid stenosis, aortic aneurysm, and peripheral artery blockages

Diagnostic Tools & Technology

Diagnostic angiography - Angiography is a type of imaging test that allows doctors to view blood vessels throughout the body and diagnose blockages, enlargements, clots, and malformations. An angiogram to study the arteries is called an arteriogram; one to study the veins is called a venogram. CT scans - A computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan is a noninvasive imaging test in which computers combine special x-ray images to produce cross-sectional images of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels, allowing radiologists to diagnose vascular problems.

TeraRecon/Aquarius - This new technology allows vascular specialists who are planning an endovascular stent graft repair of an aortic aneurysm to create and analyze a three-dimensional reconstruction of a computed tomography angiogram. These images help ensure proper sizing and placement of the graft.

MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone, and virtually all other internal body structures. Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).

Angiography - Specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian use an angiography system that employs X-ray technology to image blood vessels. This angiography system allows doctors to move a C-shaped arm to almost any position around the patient, and to visualize internal organs from all sides.

Dyna CT - This new system allows vascular specialists to create CT-like images of soft tissue and enables them to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue to visualize, for example, brain tissue and intracranial hemorrhages.

Vascular Disease Prevention

Smoking cessation programs

Today, most people are aware that smoking is a significant risk factor for heart and vascular diseases including lower extremity vascular disease, aortic aneurysms, and carotid artery disease and stroke. If you are trying to give up smoking, speak to your physician about ways to quit. Formal smoking cessation programs are an effective option.

Cholesterol reduction programs

High cholesterol levels in the blood (hypercholesterolemia) can lead to atherosclerosis (deposits of plaque in the blood vessels) and vascular diseases. Maintaining appropriate levels of “good” cholesterol (“high density lipoprotein, or HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL) in the blood is crucial for vascular health. While genetics can play a part in a person’s cholesterol balance, blood cholesterol levels can be improved by diet changes, regular exercise, and in some cases cholesterol-lowering medications. If your cholesterol level puts you at risk for vascular diseases here are two programs that may be helpful:

Comprehensive Lipid Control Center: The Comprehensive Lipid Control Center (CLCC), run by the Rogosin Institute, is an affiliate of NewYork-Presbyterian. The CLCC provides individualized diagnosis and treatment of high cholesterol problems. For more information visit www.rogosin.org.

Nutritional counseling: NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center offer nutritional counseling and education for patients with conditions including abnormal cholesterol and high blood pressure. A referral from a provider is required.

Exercise and weight reduction programs

Consistent moderate exercise promotes vascular health by improving blood circulation in the peripheral vascular system and by helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure and body weight. A healthy body weight is best achieved through a combination of proper diet and exercise. Always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program. HealthOutreach: HealthOutreach® is a free membership program for people 60 years of age and older that provides a centralized resource to access hospital and community programs, including exercise classes. HealthOutreach® is available at two campuses: NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.

Why Choose Us

Expertise in vascular care NewYork-Presbyterian is a leader in the field of vascular care, with a long tradition of expertise, innovation, and leadership. Our vascular specialists are board certified in vascular or endovascular medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology. They have expertise in diagnosing and treating abnormalities of the vascular/circulation system, including diabetes-related vascular disorders, offering the highest level of specialized care and advanced therapies. Our vascular specialists are internationally known for the treatment of these conditions using minimally invasive therapies.

Individualized and holistic care

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our vascular specialists offer individualized and holistic care, tailoring your treatment to your medical history, lifestyle, and wellness goals. Our goal is to understand your condition and then treat it in a way that improves your lifestyle and prevents future vascular problems. We work closely with our patients and referring physicians to coordinate a personalized treatment plan for every patient. We are especially skilled in diagnostic imaging, vascular medicine, and minimally invasive procedures that allow for shorter and less painful recovery times.

Multidisciplinary team approach

Vascular conditions can affect many areas of the body and may require input from other specialists. Our physicians collaborate with other world-renowned experts at NewYork-Presbyterian, ensuring that you receive the care you need. Your healthcare team may include vascular and endovascular specialists, surgeons, cardiologists, and other specialists.

Propelling the field through research

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our vascular specialists have experience with even the rarest and most complex vascular conditions. Our patient volume allows us to conduct clinical trials of the newest vascular therapies. In fact, the most advanced therapies are often available at our program before other centers in the country, and at times, the world. We continue to drive research into innovative and groundbreaking potential treatments.