At LeBauer HeartCare, we offer advanced diagnostic testing and treatment of diseases of the vascular system. This includes detecting blocked veins and arteries in the arms, legs and neck.
Vascular Duplex Ultrasound Testing using vascular duplex ultrasound involves sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create an image. This noninvasive test utilizes a water-soluble gel that is placed on the patient’s skin, and a handheld transducer that is placed on the area of the body being examined. This generates images that physicians use to detect blockages and other abnormalities in the veins and arteries.
Carotid Duplex is used to look for plaque and blockages within the carotid arteries of the neck, which carry blood to the brain.
Venous Duplex checks how well veins in the arms or legs are returning blood to the heart.
Arterial Duplex is used to examine the arteries of the arms or legs.
Renal Artery Duplex examines the arteries that lead to the kidneys. These arteries are located within the abdomen.
Aorta Duplex is used to evaluate or detect the presence of an aneurysm or blockage within the aorta.
Catheter-Based Interventions Once a vascular blockage or aneurysm is detected, our physicians can clear and repair vessels using catheter-based techniques including:
Atherectomy With this procedure, a catheter is inserted into the body and advanced through an artery until it reaches the blocked area. Plaque is then removed from arteries using a laser catheter, or a rotating shaver on the end of a catheter. Balloon angioplasty or stenting may be used after an atherectomy.
Balloon Angioplasty This medical procedure improves blood flow to the heart by using a balloon to open blockages in arteries. A catheter with an empty balloon on its tip is guided into the narrowed part of the artery. The balloon is then filled with air to flatten the plaque against the artery wall and open the blockage.
Stenting A stent is a small wire mesh tube used to help keep arteries open after angioplasty. Once the artery is open, a second balloon catheter with a stent on its tip is inserted into the artery and inflated, locking the stent into place and forms a scaffold. This holds the artery open. The stent stays in the artery permanently, holds it open, improves blood flow to the heart muscle and relieves symptoms (usually chest pain).
ICAVL Accreditation
The vascular lab at LeBauer HeartCare is accredited by the
Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories
(ICAVL). This organization was created in 1990 by physicians,
technologists and sonographers. In order to achieve accreditation, our
vascular lab underwent a rigorous application and screening process.
ICANL Accreditation After completing a comprehensive application and peer review, the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL), granted accreditation to the nuclear lab at LeBauer HeartCare. The stringent standards established by the physicians and technologists of the ICANL ensure that labs maintain the highest level of care for patients.
ICAEL Accreditation The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) sets forth specific standards that labs must adhere to in order to achieve accreditation. LeBauer HeartCare is accredited by the ICAEL, after completing the application and self-evaluation process, and receiving approval by the ICAEL Board of Directors.
