The Importance of Vascular Assessment

Posted by MedTech Edge on December 24th, 2016

Today, you can come across a wide array of advanced vascular measurements devices in the market. These devices are designed and developed to use in different types of vascular-based applications.

Learn about vascular test

The arteries and veins in the human body have the responsibility of carrying the blood throughout the human body. The blood contains the much needed oxygen, nutrients and other vital elements for the body to survive in the best manner. The blood vessels should be kept open so that the blood flows quickly and freely, ensuring proper supply of nutrients. Doctors perform vascular assessment to evaluate the efficiency of these blood vessels. Leading medical equipment manufacturers have different types of devices to check the condition of the blood vessels, including advanced systems that perform noninvasive peripheral vascular test.

The importance of vascular assessment

Once the GP / Physician identifies that a patient is highly vulnerable to problems linked with the blood vessels, the patient is referred to undergo a vascular assessment to find the signs of impending issues. At the vascular laboratory, several vascular tests are conducted, using equipment like the FALCON or Huntleigh Vascular Doppler, which help the Specialist to identify the exact problem. Various health complications like aneurysms, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes can remain unnoticed until they become really dangerous. Many people have to face the dire consequences of these problems if remain unnoticed.

What happens with peripheral Vascular Doppler Diagnosis?

During the process of vascular assessment, a special ultrasound monitors the blood vessel function. In order to check the blood vessels, the ultrasound probe scans the exterior part/s of your body. The system then displays the blood flow rate through the vessels and highlights to the Specialist or the technician if abnormal results were identified. For example, it can find narrowing of the blood vessels or the presence of the blood clot with the help of vascular assessment device.

Ankle brachial index test or ABI test

This test is being performed by checking the blood pressure in the arms and ankles. This test is done when a person is at rest and lying on his/her back. The test compares the left to the right side of the patients’ body and also in comparison to accepted pressure level. Some doctors would also do an exercise test. The ABI result is used to assess the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) severity. These types of fluctuations are extremely critical because PAD can always be associated with higher vulnerability to stroke or heart attack.

After having performed the vascular test, the Specialist would analyse the results, and suggest a course of actions for treatments, to discuss with the referring GP.

When conditions such as blood clots or narrowing of blood vessels are identified well in advance, there is the likelihood of preventing the condition to worsen.