|  
Heart-Care and Surgical Associates has two laboratories dedicated to detecting potential heart problems using the latest in nuclear cadiology and vascular techniques. Click on either link below to jump to that department on this page and learn more.
Nuclear Laboratory
Vascular Laboratory
NUCLEAR LABORATORY INFORMATION:
The Nuclear Cardiology Department performs tests on the heart, using radioactive material to determine heart function as well as to look at the blood flow to the heart muscle. Initially, we take pictures of the blood flow to the heart muscle while the patient is resting, and then we look at the blood flow while the patient is under stress.
There are two different methods for putting stress on the heart. Some of our patients walk on the treadmill, others receive medication to put stress on the heart. A second set of pictures are taken to look at the blood flow while the heart is under stress. We compare the two and look for differences in the blood flow under stress and the blood flow while the patient is at rest. This test takes 3½ to 4 hours.
Results are sent to the physician who ordered the test. The referring physician can use these results to help determine what the patients risks are for having a heart problem and whether the patient needs further evaluation or treatment such as an angiogram.
Our Medical Director, Francis H. Corcoran, M.D., is a Board Certified Cardiologist with additional certification by the Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology.
VASCULAR LABORATORY INFORMATION:
 In 1981, we established the first, noninvasive, vascular laboratory in Southwest Missouri and surrounding areas. Six, full-time, vascular technologists now perform various tests under the supervision of Board Certified Cardiologists, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons. The surgeons and technologists update their skills annually with continuing education courses.
Only the most modern, accurate, and reliable equipment is utilized for outpatient mobile, and inpatient, noninvasive, vascular studies, such as Scanning with B-Mode/Real Time imaging with Color Flow Doppler, Segmental arterial pressures and pulse volume recordings, and 2-D and M-Mode cardiac echocardiogram with color Doppler.
 Non-invasive vascular studies enables us to evaluate carotid artery disease, cardiac function, peripheral arterial and venous disease of the lower and upper extremities, vasculogenic impotency, vasospastic disease, renal artery stenosis, aortic and peripheral aneurysms, mesenteric artery stenosis, and kidney transplant status.
They may also be used to screen high risk patients or allow us to obtain more accurate information in conjunction to arteriography. In many instances, the need for more complicated procedures and/or hospitalization is eliminated.
For a list of diseases and complications that non-invasive studies can be used to diagnose, click HERE.
For Vascular Laboratory Referrals, call 1-800-937-3710 or for all hours testing at St. John's, call (417) 782-2300.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE
|
