Under the direction of Alan M. Dietzek, MD, FACS, RVT, Medical Director and Luz Guzman-Restrepo, RVT, Technical Director, the Vascular Lab further supports Danbury Hospital's development as a Regional Heart and Vascular Center. Accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) in all five areas of vascular testing, this places the Vascular Lab among the top 2 percent in the nation - or among the 30 best U.S. facilities - offering high-quality testing for vascular disease. As defined by the Commission, the five areas of vascular testing include:
Carotid Duplex
In this exam, ultrasound is used to evaluate the carotid arteries located in the neck that feed the brain with blood. Gel is applied to the skin of the neck. A transducer is then placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate the blood flow in the arteries. Your doctor may order this test if you have physical examination findings or symptoms that suggest that you may have a blockage in the carotid artery.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
This exam evaluates the blood vessels that supply the brain within the skull. This exam is performed with a small transducer that is placed on the skin of the face and head.
Venous Duplex
During a Venous Duplex or Doppler examination, ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins that carry blood to the heart from the legs or arms. Gel is applied to the skin of the legs or arms. A transducer is then placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate blood flow in the veins. Your doctor may order this to evaluate the cause of pain or swelling in your legs or arms.
Arterial Testing
Arterial duplex: During an Arterial Duplex or Doppler examination, the ultrasound is used to evaluate the arteries that feed the arms and legs with blood. Gel is applied to the skin of the legs or arms. A transducer is then placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate the blood flow in the arms or legs. Your doctor may order this test to evaluate the cause of pain in the leg muscles with walking.
Arterial Pressures and Waveforms: Ultrasound and blood pressure cuffs are used to evaluate the arteries that supply the arms and legs with blood. Several blood pressure cuffs are placed at different segments on the patient's legs or arms. When inflated, the cuffs provide blood pressure readings as well as waveforms. This test will locate areas of blockage with in the arteries. Your doctor may order this test to evaluate the cause of pain in the leg muscles with walking.
Abdominal Vascular Duplex
During an Abdominal Vascular Duplex or Doppler examination, ultrasound is used to evaluate the blood vessels that bring blood to and away from the abdominal organs. Gel is applied to the abdomen. A transducer is then placed on the gel-covered areas to obtain images and evaluate blood flow in the arteries and/or veins.
Non-Invasive and Painless
At the Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory at Danbury Hospital, we perform only non-invasive procedures - tests that are done on the outside of your body and do not involve injecting any contrast dyes, needles or catheters into your blood vessels. These tests are painless and have no side effects.
Commitment to Excellence
The Vascular Lab works closely with referring physicians to diagnose vascular conditions, coordinate further evaluation and treatment, and assist with long-term follow-up care. All tests are interpreted by board certified physicians with added credentials in non-invasive vascular interpretation. Critical test results are faxed to the referring physician the day of the exam and the physician is contacted directly by a member of our staff.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Contact Information
These services are offered at: The Danbury Hospital Medical Arts Center, Danbury Hospital Vascular Department and Southbury Vascular Services. For more information, please contact: 203-797-7106.
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