At VeinGuard, our clinic does vascular testing Fairfax and Tysons Corner patients can truly rely on. Our clinic is fitted with state-of-the-art technology to carry out a variety of evaluations.
Vascular Testing & Treatments
Ultrasound Doppler Test
The Doppler test employs ultrasound waves to measure the amount of blood flow in your arms and legs. The body parts being tested will be cuffed and coated with a special gel. A transducer will be placed there too. Then, high-frequency sound waves are directed towards the area, and an image is developed. These photos show the rate and pressure of blood flow in your vessels.
Ultrasound waves are directed towards your body to identify any blood clots that may be present in your veins and arteries. The ultrasound provides a colored, map-like image of your veins and arteries, which the doctor can see to identify clots. This is a technique usually employed to diagnose deep vein thrombosis.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test
The ABI test is leveraged to diagnose peripheral artery disease. Here, the blood pressure in your ankle is compared to the blood pressure in your arm. This tells the doctor the rate of blockages and the amount of circulation in your body.
First, your blood pressure is taken when you’re at rest. Next, your blood pressure is assessed again after you’ve walked on the treadmill for a few minutes.
Angiogram
An angiogram helps identify blockages in the arteries. An iodine dye is injected into the body, and you are asked to undergo an X-ray. The dye makes arterial blockages visible on the X-ray, after which Dr. Fareeha Khan will be able to develop a customized treatment plan for you.
CTA & MRA
Computed tomography angiography and Magnetic resonance angiography are two tests that give a 360-degree view of your veins and arteries.
In CTA, you are injected with a coloring agent that will make your vessels stand out. You are asked to undergo a CT scan, and the images on the screen are evaluated to pinpoint any venous or arterial conditions.
In MRA, the contrast dye is injected into your body using an IV. Then, you are asked to undergo an MRI scan. The scan will give the diagnostician a detailed view of your blood vessels. Any irregularities or blockages can be identified and treated.
Surgical Treatments for Vascular Conditions
Our vascular doctors are highly trained in performing the following treatments.
Endovascular Repairs
Endovascular repairs are the treatment option for patients with aortic aneurysms. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves Dr. Fareeha Khan making a small incision on the surgical site. A thin catheter is then inserted into your body.
X-ray imaging is used to guide the catheter to the aneurysm. A stent graft is sent through the incision using a wireframe. This graft is inserted into the vein/artery and sealed in place, which reinforces the walls of the blood vessel and prevents it from rupturing due to blood pressure.
If the aneurysm is severe and affects multiple blood vessels, a fenestrated graft comes into the picture. This graft is flexible and can be shaped and inserted to suit the unique medical requirements of the patient.
Once inserted, the catheter is removed and the incision is closed. Usually, stents last for 5 to 10 years and then need to be replaced.
This is effective vascular testing for Tysons Corner and Fairfax patients.
Endarterectomy
Arteries and veins can develop plaque that can harden and close-off the vessels, resulting in circulation problems. The endarterectomy surgery removes this plaque build-up.
During the surgery, an anesthetic will be given to put you to sleep. The doctor makes an incision in the treatment area and places a shunt to allow blood flow to continue to the other organs while removing the plaque. Then, the plaque is scaled off the vessels using a special device. Finally, the incision is closed up.
Open Surgery of Aortic Dissection
An aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta and, if left untreated, may prove fatal. Open surgery is performed to cure it.
Once you’re anesthetized, the doctor will make an incision on your left side, from the chest to the abdomen. The ribs are spread and your organs are moved out of the way to access your aorta.
A blood-thinning medication is provided to reduce blood pressure in the aorta. The aorta, other blood vessels, and abdominal organs are clamped to keep them in place. The aorta is cut open, the dissection flap is cut out, any other damage to the aorta is repaired. Next, the clamps are taken-off and the blood pressure level is tested with a doppler. The same procedure is performed if an aortic dissection is present in the lower part of the body.
Once complete, the blood-thinning medication is reduced and stopped, the organs are moved back in place, the ribs are pulled close, and the incision is stitched up.
Surgical Bypass
If the blockage in the blood vessels is severe, bypass surgery may be done to relieve this blockage and provide a freer route for blood to flow.
Before the procedure, the healthy vein is harvested from your body. This is usually the saphenous vein in the leg. If a synthetic graft is used, the graft is fitted to your exact requirements.
During surgery, you will be placed under anesthesia. An incision is then made on the surgical site. The blood vessel that needs to be bypassed is accessed, and the graft will be attached. Then, the incision will be closed again.
We provide the very best vascular testing Fairfax and Tysons Corner can offer.
Non-Surgical Vascular Treatments
Laser Atherectomy
This treatment treats blood flow restriction problems to the limbs. A laser is directed towards the treatment area and the blood clots are dissolved.
Sclerotherapy
This vein treatment is employed to treat spider veins and varicose veins. A special solution is injected directly into your veins to irritate the vein and close the vein opening. After a specific period, the vein disintegrates and is reabsorbed by the body.
Endovenous Laser and Radiofrequency Ablation
This is another laser vein removal treatment for varicose veins. A small incision is made in your skin, and a catheter containing a laser tip is inserted and guided towards the treatment area. High-frequency radio waves are directed towards the vessel. In essence, the heat injures the vein, causing it to seal-off and finally disintegrate.
A microphlebectomy procedure is usually done to compliment the laser treatment. In the microphlebectomy, the surface level varicose veins are removed by making multiple tiny incisions on the skin. Here, surgery isn’t needed, but a device will pull out the treated and collapsed veins.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolytic Therapy
This procedure is quite useful when it comes to treating deep vein thrombosis.
After providing anesthesia, the doctor will make a tiny puncture in your skin and insert a thin catheter into the treatment area. This catheter will be used to inject clot-dissolving medication into your vessels. For stubborn clots, a clot-breaking device is inserted through the puncture. Once all the medication is injected, the catheter is removed and the puncture is closed.
