Independent Vascular Services Limited (IVS) specialise in non-invasive vascular investigations offering a comprehensive service to both NHS and private hospitals.

IVS Ltd has recently entered into a collaboration agreement with the largest private hospital outside London, the BMI Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Manchester, to provide Cardiovascular Health Screening.

...more

NHS 'must test for sudden death'

The government has been urged to introduce a national screening programme for sudden adult death.

...more

Stroke ? early intervention is essential

It is essential that patients are offered a carotid artery duplex assessment within days of a mini-stroke or stroke.

...more

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Research proves short haul DVT fear

...more

View all news items

Which test do I need?

To help you decide we have listed below typical symptoms you may expect:

Carotid artery duplex imaging

Previous (or family) history of stroke or mini-stroke (Transient Ischaemic Attack)
Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs or one side of the face
�Drooping� of one side of the face
Temporary or permanent loss of the use of one or more limbs
Temporary or permanent loss of speech
Confusion or in ability to form simple words
Temporary or partial loss of part or all of vision in one eye
Unusual visual effects in one eye (e.g. odd patterns)

Aneurysm screen

A family history of aneurysms, or a pulsatile swelling noticed; in the stomach, groin or behind the knee.

Simple peripheral artery studies

Applies to both arms and legs
Cramp or muscle pains on exercise
Blue/black discolouration of one or more fingers or toes
Lower leg or finger ulceration (open, non-healing wound)
Pain at rest in the lower leg/arm or foot/hand

Full limb arterial colourflow duplex imaging
This investigation is only performed at the request of a doctor or if the simple peripheral artery study confirms the presence of arterial disease.

Typical symptoms are the same as for Peripheral artery study.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) assessment

DVT is more common in the leg but similar symptoms may occur in the arm.
Swelling of the calf or whole leg, which may include pain and leg discolouration.
Symptoms are more common after a long period of inactivity (e.g. long flight or car journey, period of prolonged bed rest following operation or illness)
People with a previous history of DVT with new symptoms should be reinvestigated.

Varicose vein assessment
This investigation is only performed at the request of a doctor to either exclude deep vein problems or to map out varicose veins prior to surgery. Symptoms:-

visible (painful) varicose veins, lower limb swelling, lower limb discolouration (red or brown staining), lower limb ulceration.

Venous to Arterial shunts
This investigation is only performed at the request of a doctor.

Patients will usually have an unexplained history of stroke, mini-stroke or embolus.

Monitoring of cerebral emboli

Patients with a family history or early signs of dementia.

Find out more about cardiovascular screening...

	What is involved in a cardiovascular screen?
	Frequently asked questions