Surgical Associates of Columbus, P.C.

Our Vascular Lab

 

The diagnosis and treatment of vascular problems involving either the arterial or venous circulation often requires specialized vascular testing.  Using pressure measurements and duplex scanning (a type of ultrasound) your doctor can obtain useful information about vascular diseases in a way that is non-invasive and very low risk.  In a joint effort with The Medical Center, Surgical Associates of Columbus has developed and staffed a Vascular Laboratory to provide this type of testing.  Our Vascular Lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).

Types of testing available:

  • Venous duplex scanning.  Using ultrasound to examine the veins looking for clots or non-functioning vein valves.

  • Lower extremity arterial study.  Blood pressures are taken at various levels in the legs.  A dopler or duplex ultrasound is sometimes used to look at the arteries and test the velocity of blood flow.  In some cases, patients are exercised on a treadmill and measurements are made after walking.

  • Carotid duplex scanning.  A duplex ultrasound scan of the arteries in the neck is done looking for blockages that may increase your risk of stroke.

  • Renal or mesenteric duplex scan.  A duplex ultrasound scan of the blood vessels in the abdomen is performed.  Blockages of the arteries supplying the kidneys may be responsible for high blood pressure and kidney problems.  Blockages in arteries supplying the intestines can cause abdominal pain.  You may be asked to take a special diet or laxatives prior to having this type of test.

  • Other specialized tests such as transcranial dopler, cold stress testing, dialysis graft duplex scanning or directed compression of pseudoaneurysms are also available. 

Dr. Brennaman serves as the medical director of the lab.  The staff includes a secretary and two technologists .  Both of the technologist, Dennis and Doug, are Registered Vascular Technologists.  The Vascular Lab is physically located within The Medical Center. When coming in for testing, you must first go to outpatient registration at The Medical Center.  Enter using the 18th street outpatient entrance.  After registering, take the elevator to the third floor.  Head down the long hallway and follow the overhead signs past the surgery waiting area to the vascular lab.

Some patients have questions about their bill.  You will receive two bills for a test done at our lab.  One bill is from The Medical Center - this includes charges for the performance of the test.  The second bill is from Surgical Associates of Columbus - this includes charges for the physician's reading of the test results.

Surgical Associates of Columbus, PC
920 18th Street
Columbus, GA  31901
(706) 649-6600

    Home, What we do, Our Surgeons, Our Office, Our Vascular Lab, Our Future