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Combining Technology for Non-Invasive Vascular Imaging in MA & RI

Non-invasive vascular imaging is a common imaging exam. It allows your doctor to evaluate the health of your blood vessels from the outside of your body. This means using one of several technologies, including:

For CT and MRI exams, you may have a contrast dye through a traditional IV (intravenous) line. Because these studies are ‘non-invasive,’ no catheters or other devices are inserted into your body. These exams take place in one of our hospital’s radiology departments at Southcoast Health or in a vascular lab. Typically, a technologist will perform the exam, then a radiologist will interpret your results and share them with your doctor.

Reasons for Vascular Imaging at Southcoast Health

Your doctor may recommend non-invasive vascular imaging to evaluate:

  • Aneurysms, a weak area of a blood vessel that can balloon outward and burst
  • Blockages, such as blood clots
  • Blood flow to organs
  • Blood vessel malformations
  • Narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
  • Procedure outcomes, such as the success of a graft or bypass
  • Varicose veins

Non-invasive vascular imaging can also help determine if you are a candidate for a procedure, such as angioplasty.

What Non-Invasive Vascular Imaging Offers

Common non-invasive vascular imaging services include:

  • Abdominal aorta ultrasound
  • Blood vessel mapping studies
  • Carotid artery ultrasound
  • CT angiography
  • MRI angiography
  • Peripheral artery ultrasound
  • Peripheral vein ultrasound
  • Pulse volume recordings and segmental pressures to evaluate blood flow in the extremities
  • Renal (kidney) artery ultrasound
  • Venous reflux testing

What to Expect

Non-invasive vascular imaging useless painless technologies. If you have contrast dye, your team will insert an IV line.

For ultrasound, the technologist will apply a water-based gel to your skin. This helps the ultrasound hand-held transducer maintain contact with your body to produce the highest quality images.

CTs and MRIs involve lying on a moveable table. The table slides inside the scanner for the test. For MRIs, you must remove all jewelry and metal accessories. There are also restrictions for implanted medical devices. Most non-invasive vascular imaging tests take about an hour. You should be able to return to your normal activities afterward.

Explore all of your advanced imaging options at Southcoast Health, such as non-invasive vascular imaging, in southeastern MA by finding a doctor or contacting our Radiology Imaging Services today.

Trust all of your imaging needs to Southcoast Health. We are proud to offer non-invasive vascular imaging in Fall River, North Dartmouth, New Bedford, Wareham, MA and parts of Rhode Island.