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Iliac Artery Endofibrosis Assessment

Vascular ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to assess the blood flow of blood vessels in the body, including those in the neck, arms, and legs, from the groin to the ankle.

Iliac artery endofibrosis assessment involves assessing the blood vessels in the lower abdomen and the groin, which supply blood to the legs. These include the iliac arteries, and common, profunda, and proximal superficial femoral arteries. Based on your symptoms, these vessels are assessed at rest and following exercise. We ask that you bring in your own bicycle for the exercise portion of the exam. We provide a stationary bicycle trainer which allows you to perform high intensity exercise to bring on symptoms.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • If needed, we will provide you with a gown or shorts to wear during the exam.
  • You will be asked to lie down on the bed, and blood pressure cuffs may be placed on both arms and both ankles.
  • The blood pressure cuffs will inflate so the sonographer can take blood pressure readings. The cuffs may become tight, but only for a few seconds.
  • During the exam, your sonographer will listen to your blood flow, so you will hear what sounds like your heartbeat. This is the blood moving through the artery and each artery checked has a slightly different sound.
  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will then be applied to the area being scanned for the ultrasound.
  • A series of images is acquired to show the structure and flow of blood through the arteries.
  • After blood vessels have been assessed at rest, you will be asked to exercise either on a stationary bicycle or by running on the spot.
  • The sonographer will scan the blood vessels and measure your blood pressure again immediately following this exercise.
  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images.
  • The radiologist reviews the images and measurements, and your doctor will receive a comprehensive report on the status of your arteries.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

DURATION

60-90 minutes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online Appointment Request

abdomen CT

If you are interested or have any questions, send us a message.

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.

Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):

  • A cause of pain or swelling.

  • Lymph nodes or blood vessels.

  • The kidney or bladder.

  • The liver, pancreas, or spleen.

  • The small or large bowel.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.