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Beebe has offered cardiac diagnostics and monitoring since 1978. We've expanded our services to keep pace with new developments and technology. Today, our patients can count on the availability of a full range of testing and monitoring techniques.

  • Coronary Catheterization Diagnostics
  • Cardiac Stress Testing
  • Ambulatory Heart Monitoring
  • Echocardiogram Diagnostic Testing
  • Tilt-table Studies

Coronary Catheterization Diagnostics

Coronary catheterization is often the best way for cardiologists to be sure of a preliminary diagnosis based on the less-invasive tests described below. When such tests are inconclusive, coronary catheterization may be able to show, with remarkable clarity, exactly what the problem is and where it is located.

After using local anesthesia on the patient, doctors insert a tiny, plastic tube, or catheter, through veins or arteries, directly into the chambers of the heart itself. Blood can be sampled for testing and pressures can be measured.

Then, by injecting special dye through the tube, the heart itself, and vital surrounding blood vessels, can be observed in action. Valve activity, blood flow, and blockages become visible through special X-ray monitoring screens. Diagnosis may be clarified and confirmed, and treatment options frequently become obvious to the experienced cardiologist.

The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, and the patient should allow a full day for the procedure and recovery. Risks and complications from the procedure exist, but they are minimal. Be sure to ask your cardiologist if you would like to know more detail about the procedure.

Diagnostic Vascular Tests Performed

Test: Carotid Duplex Scan

Indication: Symptoms related to Carotid disease: e.g., TIA (lateralizing and non-lateralizing), stroke, syncope, or carotid bruit

Test: TOS Survey (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)

Indication: Symptoms suggestive of thoracic outlet syndrome: e.g., arm/shoulder pain, numbness, or weakness with activity

Test: Arm Pressure & PVR (Pulse Volume Recording)

Indication: Symptoms related to subclavian or brachial artery occlusion: e.g., arm pain or numbness, especially with exertion

Test: Vasospasm Testing, with or without ice water immersion

Indication: Symptoms related to cold intolerance, Raynaud's phenomenon, finger/toe ulcers, etc.

Cerebrovascular

Test: Carotid Duplex Scan

Indication: Symptoms related to Carotid disease: e.g., TIA (lateralizing and non-lateralizing), stroke, syncope, or carotid bruit

Upper Extremity Arterial

Test: TOS Survey (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)

Indication: Symptoms suggestive of thoracic outlet syndrome: e.g., arm/shoulder pain, numbness, or weakness with activity

Test: Arm Pressure & PVR (Pulse Volume Recording)

Indication: Symptoms related to subclavian or brachial artery occlusion: e.g., arm pain or numbness, especially with exertion

Test: Vasospasm Testing, with or without ice water immersion

Indication: Symptoms related to cold intolerance, Raynaud's phenomenon, finger/toe ulcers, etc.

Lower Extremity Arterial

Test: PVR (Pulse Volume Recording) resting or with exercise If patient has a cardiac history, please schedule exercise PVR through cardiac lab (302) 645-3258.

Indication: Symptoms suggestive of arterial insufficiency: e.g., pain in legs with walking, decreased pulse, rest pain, ulceration, blue toes, or finger/toe ulcers

Test: Graft Patency

Indication: History of previous femoro-popliteal or distal bypass graft

Venous Disease

Test: Venous Duplex Scan

Indication: Suspected DVT (blood clot) in lower extremity (iliac, femoral, popliteal) or upper extremity (subclavian, axillary) veins. Serial followup of clot resolution following lytic therapy.

Test: PPG (Photoplethysmography)

Indication: Venous ulceration or suspected chronic venous insufficiency

Visceral Vessels

Test: Renovascular Hypertension Study

Indication: Suspected renovascular hypertension

Test: Celiac, Superior Mesenteric, Inferior Mesenteric Artery Scans

Indication: Suspected mesenteric ischemia, abdominal bruit, abdominal angina

Test: Portal Vessels

Indication: Suspected portal vessel thrombosis

Vascular testing FAQs.