Non-Invasive Vascular Studies (NIV)

What is an NIV?

NIV is a non-invasive vascular study utilizing ultrasound. It is used to examine arteries and veins without the use of needles or imaging contrast dye.

NIV LEA - Non-invasive Vascular Lower Extremity Arterial:

Evaluates circulation in the arteries in the legs. It identifies plaque in the arteries that could affect blood flow, thus causing pain or discoloration in the legs and/or feet.

Cuffs will be placed on your legs and inflated to obtain volume of flow in the extremity and blood pressure at the cuff site.

NIV UEA - Non-invasive Vascular Upper Extremity Arterial:

Evaluates circulation in the arteries in the arms. It identifies plaque that could affect blood flow, causing pain or discoloration in the arms and or hands.

Cuffs will be placed on your arms and inflated to obtain volume of flow in the extremity and blood pressure at the cuff site.

NIV LEV - Non-invasive Vascular Lower Extremity Venous:

Examines the veins in the legs to identify blood clots. Symptoms associated with this procedure consist of leg swelling, leg pain or feeling of warmth in the leg.

Assessment of blood clot is done by compressing the veins and pressing the extremity to increase blood flow in the leg.

NIV UEV - Non-invasive Vascular Upper Extremity Venous:

Examines the veins in the arm for blood clots. Symptoms associated with this procedure could include arm pain, swelling, feeling of warmth in the arm or having had a recent Intravenous Injection in the arm.

Assessment of blood clot is done by compressing the veins and pressing the extremity to increase blood flow in the arm.

NIV CAROTID - Non-invasive carotid artery Examination:

Examines the carotid artery, internal carotid artery and vertebral artery in the neck for plaque. Symptoms associated with this procedure could include headaches, dizziness, fainting or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Pictures of individual arteries are taken showing evidence of any plaque formation.

Preparation

There is no preparation necessary for NIV procedures.

Approximately 30 minutes to one hour should be allowed for the examination. You may be at The Radiology Clinic longer than that due to check-in and interview with the technologist.

If you have children, please make arrangements for childcare, as there are no childcare facilities on site. Due to radiation exposure, children are not allowed in the examination room. 

What to Expect

You will be asked to lie on an examination table. Gel will be place on the area to be examined. For tests requiring inflation cuffs, you may experience some discomfort.

There are no side effects with these tests. 

Follow Up

Your referring physician will be provided results within 2-3 working days.

The Ultrasound department at The Radiology clinic is accredited by the American College of Radiology.