The Vascular Laboratory at Maryland General
The non-invasive vascular laboratory (or "blood flow lab") performs studies that use a variety of specialized ultrasound techniques to provide clear images of blood vessels and evaluate the flow of blood. These techniques are free of the risks and discomfort associated with injections, X-rays or other invasive diagnostic procedures.
These non-invasive tests allow accurate diagnosis of most vascular disorders. They also immediately determine how severe the condition is and whether treatment is needed. Since non-invasive testing is almost risk-free, it can be repeated as often as needed to check whether the disease is progressing and if treatment is working.
Our Non-invasive Vascular Laboratory is a modern, uniquely designed facility that serves both inpatients and outpatients. It is conveniently located in the main building of Maryland General Hospital and is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (ICA).
Our services
A full range of non-invasive procedures is available at our Non-invasive Vascular Laboratory and includes studies:
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Blockages in the arteries of the arms or legs due to arteriosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") or other diseases that may threaten the limbs
- Doppler arterial exams of the legs or arms
- Vascular ultrasound of the extremity arteries
- Treadmill exercise testing
Cerebrovascular Disease: Bblockages in the arteries to the brain that may increase the risk of stroke
- Carotid artery duplex scan
Aortic Aneurysms: A dilation or "ballooning" of the major artery that can cause fatal rupture
- Aortic duplex scan
- Duplex scan of peripheral arteries for aneurysms
Renal Artery Disease: Arterial disease of the kidneys that can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) or kidney failure
- Renal Artery duplex scan
- Duplex scan of the renal veins
Mesenteric Arterial Disease: Disorders of circulation to the gut
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the veins that could travel to the lungs
- Venous duplex scan of the arms or legs
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) scan
Venous Reflux: Varicose veins and other disorders that cause leg swelling and leg ulcers
- Photoplethysmography (PPG)
- Air plethysmography
Dialysis Access
Other services
- Vein "mapping" for peripheral vascular or coronary bypass
- Arm artery "mapping" for coronary bypass
- Temporal artery duplex scan for temporal arthritis
- Ocular duplex scan for ocular ischemia