The Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory provides echocardiographic and carotid imaging for approved CRU protocols, as well as measurement of endothelial function and arterial stiffness.
To request this service, apply to use our Clinical Research Units (CRUs).
Echocardiogram
Echocardiograms are performed on a Toshiba Artida ultrasound system. All cardiac studies are stored digitally and analyzed using the Philips Excelera System. Image acquisition and analysis protocols can be customized to meet the unique needs of the investigator.
Stress Echocardiography
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to evaluate heart function during exercise stress. These exams are performed using a Toshiba Artida ultrasound system by an experience sonographer. A cardiologist will be closely monitoring the heart function, ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout the exercise testing. Stress echocardiography can be performed on a supine bike while lying down and pedaling, or can be performed by walking or running on a treadmill. At fixed intervals, the level of exercise intensity will increase. The goal is to reach maximum physical exertion to evaluate heart function.
Carotid IMT
Carotid imaging is performed on a Toshiba Aplio ultrasound system. Using commercially available state of the art equipment that includes automated border detection, the core lab can accurately measure carotid intima-medial thickness and distensibility.
Brachial Reactivity Studies
Brachial ultrasound studies are performed on a Toshiba Aplio system. A high frequency (15Mhz) ultrasound transducer is held in place by a mounted stationary device to insure reproducibility of brachial reactivity measures. Endothelial function tests are performed using both cuff inflation and nitroglycerin to induce brachial flow mediated dilatation (FMD). Analysis of both brachial diameter and flow velocity is performed using state of the art commercially available equipment with automated edge detection.
Endothelial Function
The EndoPat or Endothelix systems both measure endothelial response to reactive hyperemia following the release of arm bloodflow occlusion. The EndoPat system measures changes in bloodflow volume in response to reactive hyperemia, whereas the Endothelix measures changes in fingertip temperature.
Vascular Stiffness
Vascular Stiffness is measured as the the pulse wave augmentation index (AGI). It is derived from measurement of the pulse wave contour and is a measure of the pressure wave is reflected back during pulse wave cycle, which is a measure of vascular stiffness. AGI can be obtained from the EndoPat and SphygMoCor, each of which measure the radial artery pulse wave.
These services are provided at the Bayview Clinical Research Unit (CRU).
