Vascular Testing
Vascular Testing at Mason City Clinic
Comprehensive vascular testing is one of many critical services we provide at Mason City Clinic. Our vascular testing currently includes:
Contact our Vascular Surgery Center: 641.494.5261
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound
The aorta is the body’s largest blood vessel. It starts in the heart and continues through the chest and abdomen to the legs. An aneurysm is a bulge in the artery wall when the walls balloon outward with the pressure of the blood flow inside. If an aneurysm bursts, it can cause heavy, life-threatening internal bleeding. Aneurysms can form in arteries throughout the body, but most occur in the aorta. If the aneurysm occurs in the lower section of the aorta, it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm; if it occurs in the portion of the aorta in your chest, it is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is suspected, an aortic ultrasound will be ordered to confirm this diagnosis. Ultrasound utilizes sound waves in scanning the aorta to give detailed information concerning the blood flow and quality of musculature around the area. The procedure requires a soft gel to be spread across the area to be observed, which helps the sound waves travel between the machine and the body. The actual imaging itself is painless, but if the area to be imaged was tender beforehand, some discomfort may ensue.
If an aneurysm is discovered, it will be monitored closely through regular ultrasound scanning. Many remain small and never rupture. Large, fast-growing, leaking or painful aneurysms may require surgery. Surgery is performed immediately on aneurysms that threaten imminent rupture or that have already ruptured, although the procedure is less successful once the vessel has burst.
Patients at risk for this condition, including smokers and those over the age of 60, should be screened regularly for an abdominal aortic aneurysm through imaging tests or genetic testing.
Venous Ultrasound
Venous ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of vein structures and blood flow to help accurately diagnose venous conditions.
Also known as lower extremity ultrasound, this diagnostic test can assess the veins for diseases such as dilatation, known as varicose veins, that can cause pain and tiredness of the legs. It also assesses if there is a clot in the veins that could possibly lead to pulmonary embolism. Your doctor will determine which type of procedure is most effective for your individual symptoms or condition. Once the results have been analyzed, your doctor will determine a personalized treatment plan for your condition.
Arterial Doppler/Duplex Ultrasound
An arterial Doppler/duplex ultrasound is often performed to evaluate blood flow in patients complaining of leg or arm pain, numbness, tingling and fatigue, as these symptoms may be indicative of a narrowing or blockage of the major arteries. Doppler technology uses sound waves to detect blood flow and identify any differences in blood pressure within different areas of the arms and legs.
During the Doppler/duplex ultrasound procedure, blood pressure is taken with a cuff at several areas along the arm and legs, and a transducer is moved across the area to detect blood flow through the areas before and after the blood pressure cuff is inflated. Patients may experience mild cramping as the cuff cuts off circulation in the targeted area. Patients can return to their regular activities immediately after the test.
Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
Carotid duplex ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to detect blood flow problems in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are located in the neck and send blood to the brain. Blood clots and narrowed arteries are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through a carotid duplex. This test is commonly performed on patients who recently had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Carotid duplex is usually performed with the patient lying down on their back. A gel is applied to the skin and a handheld machine known as a transducer is run lightly across the neck along the carotid arteries. The transducer sends sound waves through the neck, forming imaging of their arrangement. Patients can return to their regular activities immediately after the test.
To learn more about our vascular services, please call 641.494.5261 today or use our online form to schedule an appointment. Our vascular testing patients come to us from Albert Lea, Algona, Belmond, Britt, Buffalo Center, Charles City, Clarion, Cresco, Emmetsburg, Forest City, Garner, Greene, Hampton, Iowa Falls, Lake Mills, Mason City, New Hampton, Northwood, Osage, Waverly and nearby areas.
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Ten years ago, my Mason City Clinic heart surgeon removed my expiration date " Dean Haugen
Cardiology Patient
I used to visit the ER often with undiagnosed heart problems. During my last visit in 2004, they told me I probably wouldn’t make it another year. That’s when my doctor at Mason City Clinic found my mitral valve malfunction and surgically repaired it. I recently had my annual EKG exam and my cardiologist found no heart problems whatsoever. Which means I can keep raising my squash, musk melon and tomatoes.
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He’s the best doctor I’ve ever had – and I’ve had a lot " Jansen Wyatt
Cardiology Patient
With no warning signs, Jansen Wyatt, 54, suddenly collapsed in his home last November. His daughter-in-law rushed him to the ER at Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg, where they diagnosed a severe heart attack. Jansen was helicoptered to Mason City’s Mercy Medical Center. Samuel Congello, DO, a board-certified cardiologist with Mercy’s Heart and Vascular Institute.
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It’s hard to be a good nurse when you have hearing loss " Janice Collins
ENT & Allergy Patient
As a young girl I was diagnosed with hearing loss in my right ear. I had many ear infections and surgeries, but the problem only got worse. It was getting hard to do my job because I was missing parts of conversations. Hearing aids only caused me more infections. Then I found Dr. Henry Diggelmann at Mason City Clinic. He recommended BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid), which creates sound using bone amplification.
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How do you handle kids if you can’t use your hands? " Sandy Wagner
Plastic Surgery Patient
After years as a special education teacher handling children with significant disabilities and behavioral challenges, I began having limited use of my hands due to severe arthritis pain. I found myself fighting back tears every day because the pain was so bad. I could no longer enjoy one of my favorite hobbies, quilting, either. I met with Dr. René Recinos, a plastic surgeon from Mason City Clinic and recommended a procedure called arthrodesis.
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By replacing her arthritic hip and knee, Charlene can walk in the woods again without pain " Charlene Hanson
Orthopaedics Patient
Retired school teacher Charlene Hanson used to love walking in the woods – until the pain and inflammation of arthritis took it away from her. Since she had heard such great things at church and in the community about Mason City Clinic’s Orthopedic Department and Dr. Darron Jones, she made them her choice to replace her arthritic hip and knee.
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Getting The Hip Replacement Surgery Done At 60 Was The Best Decision I Made " Roger Kuck
Orthopaedics Patient
Roger was always very active, but a few years ago his hip started to bother him. When he would go to bed at night the pain was very severe. “I would have to lay on the floor and put my legs up on the couch to relieve the pain,” said Roger.
His orthopedic surgeon at the Mason City Clinic Dr. Darron Jones said, “I can give you cortisone shots, but this is a quality of life question.
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I trusted him 100 percent " Donna Drake
Plastic Surgery Patient
Donna Drake lived with a growing basal cell skin cancer (the most common skin cancer) on her lower eyelid for three years. A family practitioner at Franklin General Hospital recommended Mason City Clinic’s plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Mark Mulkey, who identified the cancer and performed the extremely delicate eyelid surgery to remove it and reconstruct her eyelid.
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Bunion pain stopped Melody in her tracks " Melody Wagner
Podiatry Patient
Melody Wagner loved walking until severe pain from bunions stopped her cold. She found a board-certified podiatrist at Mason City Clinic’s Podiatry Department. Podiatrists perform leading-edge surgery for bunions and hammertoes, as well as advanced treatments for diabetic feet, heel pain, ingrown toenails and more. Melody was afraid of a painful procedure and a long recovery.
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I didn’t know the pain in my leg came from a ruptured blood vessel in my chest " Lyle Miller
Cardiology Patient
One snowy night about seven years ago, I felt a sudden pain in the back of my leg. I thought I could shake it off and went out to shovel some snow. After a few minutes, I went back inside and collapsed. My wife called 911 but the ambulance couldn’t get to me because of the snow. My neighbors used snow blowers to clear the road and my driveway so the ambulance could get to me.
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No more sour grapes about knee pain for me " Gordon Lubbers
Orthopaedics Patient
I injured my knee as a teenager and had surgery. Then, as I got older, the pain returned and began affecting my routine and overall enjoyment of life. My doctor referred me to Darron Jones, MD, an orthopedic surgeon. After a thorough exam, he said I was a candidate for knee replacement. I had the procedure in late January 2014 and was back among the grapes by the beginning of March.
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I Wanted To Dance Up A Storm At My Two Daughters Weddings, And I Did! " Sheryl Borcherding
Orthopaedics Patient
We have a lot of flower gardens on our acreage, and I was having problems kneeling to weed. I couldn’t walk long distances anymore and it was painful to get in and out of the car, walk up and down the stairs. Simple everyday tasks were hard. Eventually I was limping and in a great deal of pain.” said Sheryl Borcherding of Emmons, MN.
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I Now Can Play Football And Basketball With My Grand Nephew. " Jane Papouchis
Orthopaedics Patient
Jane, 70, a retired nurse, is a very active person. She is a mother of one daughter and son in law, and has lots of 4 legged kids: guinea pigs, goats, Newfoundland dogs and 10 cats. I suffered with knee pain for a long time and would always take extra strength Ty-lenol.
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I Was Given 23 Years Of My Life…And Counting " Gene Wagler
Cardiology Patient
Gene Wagler, a special needs teacher from Clear Lake, didn’t have a history of heart problems before his heart attack 23 years ago. Gene said, “I didn’t feel any pain that day but I had a “gnawing” sensation in my chest. Within hours Gene was in the Mercy One-North Iowa ER and Dr. Sam Congello, an interventional cardiologist.
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I feel great and have none of the heartburn I had for so many years and have lost 12 pounds. " Kathleen Hanna
GERD Surgical Patient
Kathleen Hanna, 60, is a mother of four, grandmother of nine and a para-assistant at Forest City Elementary School. “I had heartburn with regurgitation for 40 years, have had an ulcer, and have been on heartburn medication for about that long too.” Having been on heartburn medication for many years her physician was becoming worried that it was affecting the function of her kidneys.
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I feel great. The surgery was easy. Now I can fully enjoy my life with my wife – we garden, bike and visit with our three grown children and three grand-daughters. " Duane Obanion
GERD Surgical Patient
In March 2019, Duane Obanion, 68, a farmer outside of Mason City, Iowa had an acid reflux attack. He aspirated into his lungs and got pneumonia. “I was in New York visiting my daughter when it happened and I ended up in the Urgent Care Center. When I got home I went to my family doctor and she put me in touch with Dr. Matthew Fabian, a general surgeon at the Mason City Clinic”.
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After Breaking Her Wrist In A Fall, Hampton Woman Gets Full Mobility of Her Hand And Wrist Back! " LeAnn Strother
Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery Patient
In February 2019, LeAnn Strother 65, who is left-handed, fell and broke her left wrist. Because it was a complicated break she was referred into Dr. Rene Recinos, a plastics and reconstructive surgeon, and hand specialist at the Mason City Clinic for surgery. Most concerning for LeAnn was if this injury would impact all of the things she loves to do with her hands in the future?
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