Non-Invasive Arterial Peripheral Vascular Study
Department of Radiology, 319-398-6050
WHAT IT IS:
The non-invasive vascular lab checks the arterial blood flow in your legs. Non-invasive testing does not require the use of needles, contrast, or x-ray. The test can take about 1 hour.
PREPARATION:
No special exam preparation is needed.
PROCEDURE:
The examination starts with the patient lying down on an exam table. Both arm and ankle blood pressures are taken using blood pressure cuffs. The patient is then asked to walk on a treadmill to exercise the calf muscles of their legs. After exercise, ankle and arm blood pressures are repeated.
Normally, blood pressure measurements are higher at the ankles than in the arms. If the patient's blood pressure is higher in the arms than the ankles, then it is likely that an artery is blocked between the patient's midsection and feet.
More pressure readings may be taken at the thigh and calf after the patient exercises on the treadmill if necessary.
FOLLOW-UP:
The results of your exam will be sent to your doctor.
OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION:
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Park in the Mercy Medical Center Parking Ramp, located at the corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue SE. You must register PRIOR to your procedure. Upon entering the hospital, proceed to Ground (G) level and follow the signs to “Registration.” After 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or on the weekends, proceed to Ground (G) level and follow the signs to the “Emergency Department” and register there. After registering, follow the signs to “Radiology (X-Ray)”, also located on Ground (G) level.
Your appointment date and time:
