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Vascular Screening MOT
Wednesday 3rd January 2018
Vascular MOT
Special Offer £299 (originally £384)
AAA
This scan is used to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA's) and also for the monitoring and follow-up assessment of an aortic dilation.
Aortic Aneurysm Screening can be performed as a routine check and is recommended in men aged over 45. If you have a family history Numi Scan recommend having this scan prior to 45 years of age.
If you have noticed a mid-line palpable mass in the abdomen or a pulsating mass then you should have an aortic ultrasound scan ASAP to check if you have an aneurysm.
Approximately 6,000 people in England & Wales die every year from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (source: NHS Abdominal Aneurysm Screening Programme). Around 8 out of 10 people with a ruptured AAA either die before they reach hospital or don't survive surgery.
A simple & quick ultrasound scan can detect an aneurysm with instant results. If an aneurysm is found you will need to be regularly monitored to check it doesn't get dangerously larger & can be managed by your clinician reducing negative outcomes.
AAA's are more common in people aged over 65, in particular men. Therefore this scan is essential for people who fall into this high risk category.
Carotid Artery
The carotid artery ultrasound scan is most frequently performed to detect narrowing, or stenosis of the carotid artery, a condition that substantially increases the risk of stroke. It is used as a general screening tool for patients over 45 years or if you have history of cardiovascular disease or at risk of stroke.
The scan will evaluate the size, shape, and outline, measuring also the blood flow velocities in the:
Common carotid arteries from their origin to bifurcation including intimal thickness
Internal and external carotid arteries
Vertebral arteries
Common pathology which can appear on the scan are plaque deposits and subsequent narrowing of the arteries particularly the internal carotid artery which supplies blood to the brain.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease results from a narrowing or stenosis of the arteries which supply oxygenated blood to the legs. This is caused by disease in the wall of arteries known as atheroma, which develops gradually over many years. It begins with cholesterol from the blood being deposited within the wall of arteries, leading to the thickening of the artery wall. This results in a narrowing or stenosis of the artery and a reduction of oxygenated blood flow to the leg.
Common causes are raised cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and lack of exercise, these may all lead to PAD, however smoking & poorly managed diabetes are the most common causes. PAD occurs throughout the body and its consequences depend on which part of the body is affected. In the legs, the arteries become narrowed so that there is insufficient oxygenated blood supply to the exercising muscle. Therefore, you get a pain or cramp in the leg whilst walking, which disappears after a short rest (Intermittent Claudication).
If the arteries to the heart are affected then this may result in breathlessness, angina (chest pains) or even a heart attack. Similarly, a blockage of the carotid arteries to the brain may result in a stroke. Anyone who suffers with PAD is at much greater risk of atheroma to the arteries that supply the heart and the brain. Therefore, such patients are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
What Do you Get?
✓ Bilateral PAD Leg Scan
✓ Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm (AAA) Scan
✓ Carotid Artery Scan
✓ Detection of AAA using Ultrasound
✓ Having a screening scan cuts the risk of dying from an AAA by half
✓ Detection of PAD using Ultrasound
✓ Having a scan with us cuts the risk of ulceration due to PAD
✓ Detection of Carotid Artery Pathology using Ultrasound
✓ Having a screening scan with us can cut the risk of stroke
✓ Non symptomatic patients accepted (Not available via the NHS)
✓ No GP referral Required
✓ No waiting list
✓ Diagnostic report given to patient
✓ Referred to GP if vascular pathology identified for further review
Who's at Risk?
- You are over 65 (PAD, AAA & Carotid)
- You smoke (PAD, AAA & Carotid)
- You have high blood pressure (PAD, AAA & Carotid)
- You are male (AAA)
- Your brother, sister or parent has, or has had, an AAA
- You are diabetic (PAD, AAA & Carotid)
- You have numbness or weakness in the legs (PAD)
- You have ulcers (open sores) on your feet and legs, which don't heal (PAD)
- You have hair loss on your legs and feet (PAD)
- You have changing skin colour on your legs, such as turning pale or blue (PAD)
- You have brittle or slow-growing toenails (PAD)
- You have erectile dysfunction (PAD)
Pre-scan Preperation
AAA scan requires 8 hours of fasting. No breakfast if morning appointment / no lunch for afternoon appointment. Clear fluids including black tea or coffee are allowed.
For diabetics maintain food intake but avoid fatty or dairy products.
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