Diagnostics

Diagnostic examinations at the clinic are of essential both for the prevention of vascular diseases - from the most common varicose veins to stroke - and for the choice of the most appropriate treatment to treat vascular pathologies, both arterial and venous.

The diagnosis is performed by the following non-invasive methods:

• VENOUS DUPLEX ULTRASOUND SCANNING AND FULL VENOUS MAPPING

  Venous duplex ultrasound of the lower limbs is a non-invasive diagnostic test that allows the assessment of the circulation of the lower limbs. It is an ultrasound test that studies the state of blood flow inside the vessels of the leg through both visual and acoustic values.
  
  This examination allows to evaluate the correct functioning of both deep and superficial venous circulation, and to exclude or diagnose venous diseases such as thrombosis and reflux.
  
  The results of the examination are expressed in a map that allows to identify the most appropriate treatment. Venous cartography is an indispensable guide to decide upon and perform the most suitable type of treatment.

• ARTERIAL DUPLEX ULTRASOUND OF LOWER LIMBS

  Arterial duplex ultrasound of the lower limbs is performed to evaluate the functioning of the arteries of the legs and to exclude or diagnose any narrowing, occlusions or dilatations (aneurysms) of the blood vessels.
  
  This test is generally requested for individuals with one or more risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis, occlusion or dilatation of the arteries of the lower limbs such as smokers, hypertensive individuals or diabetic subjects.
  
  Although a simple physical examination and an accurate recording of the patient's medical history can prompt the diagnosis of obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs, without the instrumental examination it is not possible to determine the exact location of the narrowing and thus formulate a strategy for its treatment.

• CAROTID DUPLEX ULTRASOUND

  Carotid duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that allows to study the morphology and function of the arterial vessels of the neck. The morphological study evaluates the diameter of the vessels and thickness of the arterial wall, while the functional study analyses the direction and speed of blood flow within the vessels.
  
  This test allows to analyse or exclude the presence of plaques (or atheromas) in the blood vessels that bring blood to the brain, to evaluate the possible risk of stroke.

• ABDOMINAL AORTA DUPLEX ULTRASOUND

  This type of non-invasive diagnostic examination takes place in the form of a vascular ultrasound of the abdominal aorta in order to carry out a morphological and functional study. The diameter and thickness (morphological study) and the velocity and direction of the blood flow (functional study) within the abdominal aorta are then evaluated.
  
  It is used for the diagnosis of aortic diseases, such as dilatations (aneurysms) and narrowing-obstructions.

• VENOUS ABDOMINAL DUPLEX ULTRASOUND

  This test is performed to search for or rule out any thrombosis or compressions that can affect the veins of the abdomen and pelvis. At this level it is possible to follow the evolution of a previous deep vein thrombosis or a pelvic venous reflux.

• VENOGRAPHY, INTRAVENOUS ULTRASOUND (IVUS)

  [these are invasive procedures and are carried out in the operating theatre only]