Doppler ultrasound examination and angiography (X-ray contrast study) of all arterial and venous system
We examine and assess the following arteries:
- Abdominal aorta and Aortoiliac Segment
- Lower limb arteries – Femoral, Popliteal and of the foot (Dorsalis Pedis)
- Visceral arteries – Renal, Mesenteric
- Arteries and Tr. celiacus
- Brain arteries: Carotid, Vertebral, Intracranial – a. cerebri media, anterior, posterior, basilaris
- Upper Limb Arteries – Subclavian, Brachial, Distal
We also perform venography (a.k.a. Ascending Phlebography):
- Lower Limb Veins – Iliac, Femoral, Popliteal, Tibial
- Saphena Magna and Saphena Parva
- Inferior Vena Cava and Superior Vena Cava
- Visceral Veins – Renal, Vena Portae
- Upper Limbs Veins – Brachiocephalic, Subclavian, and Axillary
- Veins draining the brain – Jugular, Vertebral, Azigos.
Doppler ultrasound tests are performed in the Outpatient Department whereas angiographies – with admission to the Hospital. In addition, a Doppler sonography can be performed for measuring the foot and brachial pressure and defining ABI (or Ankle Brachial Index). The same type of sonography is used for the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis, too: measuring the thickness of the intima-media, detection and measurement of the thickness and the face of atherosclerotic plaques over 1.5 mm. The ultrasound and angiographic equipment we use is of high quality. The Department has two 4D Echo-Doppler devices and uses the two angiography devices which belong to the Department of Invasive Cardiology.
The Department of Angiology and Phlebology, together with the Department of Invasive Endovascular Cardiology has developed the following major centers:
- Center for Multifocal Atherosclerosis for Early Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency – CCSVI
In addition, we are currently developing a Program for Early Diagnosis, Treatment and Dispensary Monitoring of Atherosclerosis.
These activities reflect the new concepts in diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis and of some vascular neurodegenerative diseases. They are unique for Bulgaria and are still rarely carried out in Europe and the U.S.