Peripheral Vascular Services

The Vascular Service at the Heart Center is comprised of a team of highly trained physicians and technicians. Under the leadership of Dr. Gorwara (Director of Vascular program), Dr. Yen (Director of Carotid program) and Dr. Ling (Director of non invasive studies) we perform diagnostic and interventional procedures using state of the art equipment and the latest technology.

Last year we performed over 4000 diagnostic procedures in our ICAVL accredited vascular lab including carotid ultrasounds, abdominal ultrasounds and Pulse volume recordings. In addition we performed over 400 endovascular procedures last year including diagnostic angiograms, angioplasties and stents. In October 2009 Dr. Gorwara was the first physician in the region to perform laser atherectomy, a new minimally invasive treatment utilizing a special cool laser to open blocked arteries in the leg.  For a brief summary of some of these procedures, see below, or call for any questions or to set up an appointment.

Carotid, Arterial, Abdominal and Renal Ultrasound: With high-frequency sound waves, we trace blood flow in these arteries and evaluate any narrowing or obstruction of blood flow to the brain, extremities, kidneys or other organs.

PVR (Pulse Volume Recording): A series of blood pressure cuffs are used to detect diminished or interrupted blood flow in the extremities, usually signifying Peripheral Vascular Disease (or PVD).

Peripheral Vascular Angiography: This technology detects obstructions to blood flow, using x-rays and injected contrast material into peripheral arteries.

Peripheral Excimer Laser Ablation: This procedure is a cool laser light procedure developed to treat blockages in the leg arteries.  The laser vaporizes plaque and calcium that has formed in veins or arteries. PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease is caused when plaque builds up in arteries of the legs. If you have PAD, you are 6 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease in 10 yrs.  This is also the number one cause of stroke resulting in disability or death.

Coronary, Peripheral & Carotid Stents: These small, coiled spring-like devices are placed in the area of the coronary artery widened with angioplasty or atherectomy to help keep the artery open.

Peripheral & Abdominal Vascular Angioplasty: As in coronary angioplasty, special balloon-tipped catheters compress obstructions within arteries of the extremities, abdomen, neck and head, to widen the artery and improve blood flow.

Peripheral Cryoplasty: a type of angioplasty that first uses freezing temperatures applied to the interior obstructed area of an artery, in order to produce improved results when widening the obstructed area.