Mission
The mission of the Heart and Vascular Institute’s vascular ultrasound laboratory is to provide patients with quality ultrasound exams that are efficient and focused, thereby obtaining relevant and necessary diagnostic information for the treating physician. Vascular ultrasound imaging is a vital component of care to assess patients for vascular disease and to monitor patients following surgery or other intervention.
The El Camino Difference
The lab is under the direction of prominent leaders in the vascular field who have years of experience establishing and operating a successful accredited vascular ultrasound lab. Our staff consists of only the most qualified credentialed Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs) who must maintain good standing with their national credentialing organization and have proven knowledge of vascular pathology and diagnostics.
El Camino Hospital is carving the way in advancing community medicine and academic research. The vascular ultrasound lab has a stake in this venture by participating in ultrasound-related research involving new treatments. Current research endeavors are also underway with the Fogarty Institute.
The Patient Experience

Patients are our primary concern as we take special care to promote a comfortable and worthwhile exam experience. All exams are performed in private rooms to respect patient privacy and to not compromise exam integrity. Ultrasound exams are also scheduled to ensure the ultrasound professional adequate time to evaluate each patient thoroughly.
Patients may be pleasantly surprised to know that ultrasound imaging, unlike other imaging techniques, is non-ionizing and non-invasive, meaning the patient is not subjected to harmful radiation or injected with contrast and dyes, and is safe for patients with implanted metal devices, such as stents or pacemakers.
Services
Imaging Exams
- Carotid
- Peripheral Arterial
- Peripheral Venous
- Abdominal vascular exams*
- Mesenteric
- Abdominal Aorta
- Iliac
- Renal
- IVC
* Exam requires the patient to fast (no food or drink) over the course of 7-8 hours prior to the exam. Patients may drink only non-carbonated water and take necessary medication while fasting or as directed by a physician.
Non-Imaging Exams
- Ankle/Brachial Indices & Doppler Waveforms (ABIs)
- Segmental Pressures & Doppler
- Photoplethysmography (PPGs)