Methodist Medical Center, in conjunction with the Vascular Diagnostic Center of Oak Ridge, provides dependable, non-invasive testing to diagnose, evaluate and track serious health problems of the blood vessels. Such examinations help doctors identify problems in the earliest, most treatable stage of vascular disease, and they often eliminate the need for invasive testing and surgery.

Doctors may order vascular tests for their patients, or patients may request screenings for preventive care by calling (865) 482-4028. Test results help the doctors determine the most appropriate treatment, and people who are at high-risk often use screenings to monitor their health.

Without treatment, damage or blockage related to vascular disease may destroy arteries or veins, leading to possible loss of limbs or even death. Among the causes are aging, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Non-invasive Tests

• Cerebrovascular testing includes examination of the carotid artery, a major blood vessel in the neck, and arteries in the spinal column.
• Peripheral arterial examinations involve evaluation of arteries in the arms or legs.
• Deep abdominal exams include testing of arteries in the kidneys, abdomen, and other areas.
• Peripheral venous tests help doctors evaluate the condition of veins deep within the body.
• Additional vascular testing includes evaluations related to impotency.

These tests, which may be outpatient or inpatient procedures, are clinically proven. They do not involve the use of radiation or hypodermic needles, and they cause little or no discomfort. Screenings take a few minutes, and examinations that are more complicated may take 30 to 90 minutes.

Patients have the benefits of advanced technology, such as Duplex colorflow computed sonography, Duplex ultrasound imaging, Doppler, or B-mode real-time imaging. Each test is different, but patients generally lie on an examination table while a vascular technologist scans them to measure blood flow in a particular area of the body. A credentialed vascular surgeon associated with the Vascular Diagnostic Center and Methodist Medical Center interprets the results.