Vascular imaging is used to evaluate blood vessels – with the exception of the coronary arteries, which are assessed with a CT scan – and help diagnose conditions associated with abnormal blood flow. Technologies that are used to generate images of the blood vessels include: vascular ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) offers one of the few multidisciplinary cardiovascular imaging programs in the country that includes cardiologists, radiologists, and other imaging experts. The BWH Cardiovascular Imaging Program combines the treatment, education, and research expertise of multiple disciplines – cardiology, radiology, nuclear medicine, molecular biology, medical physics, and chemistry – and incorporates the use of all available imaging types, including echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, nuclear cardiology, PET/CT, CT/MRI, and ultrasound.
Our patients with heart and vascular conditions have access to top specialists throughout the fields of cardiovascular medicine, cardiac surgery, cardiac imaging, vascular surgery, and cardiac anesthesia. These physicians practice at the BWH Heart & Vascular Center, consistently ranked as one of the top 10 “Cardiology & Heart Surgery” providers in U.S. News and World Report's annual “America's Best Hospitals” survey.
Vascular imaging may be used to help diagnose a variety of conditions that impact blood flow, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm, inflammatory conditions, varicose veins, or blood clots.
The type of vascular imaging procedure used depends upon the suspected condition. Each approach is optimized to evaluate a particular condition or type of blood vessel.
Ultrasound
MRI/CT
The Heart & Vascular Center is located in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, across the street from BWH's main 75 Francis Street entrance. The Heart & Vascular Center brings together the full range of cardiovascular services in one location, fostering seamless and coordinated care for all patients.
Prior to your imaging procedure, you will check in at the Vascular Imaging Lab (for vascular ultrasound) or at the Cardiovascular Imaging Center (for vascular MRI or CT) in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center. During your procedure, family and friends can wait in the Shapiro Family Center.
In addition to our cardiovascular imaging experts, patients also benefit from the teamwork of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac electrophysiologists, and anesthesiologists, all experts in cardiovascular disorders. These specialists work alongside nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, dietitians, and social workers to achieve better outcomes for patients.
Learn about the Watkins Cardiovascular Clinic in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families to access computers and knowledgeable staff.
Access a complete directory of patient and family services.
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