Ultrasound/Vascular Lab

The Vascular Lab is a testing center used to detect and assess the presence of vascular diseases such as carotid artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, venous insufficiency and varicose veins. We are able to perform non-invasive evaluations to discover these vascular diseases. These studies are commonly performed on the day of the office visit and results are communicated to the patient at the time they see the physician, usually immediately following the exam. We have found that with these innovative testing techniques, vital clinical information can be determined having a direct impact on the subsequent decision making process. More importantly, we are able to proceed with some treatment plans without the need of invasive tests such as arteriograms. Incorporation of the lab in the diagnostic process has resulted in less expense and more convenience for an increasing number of patients.


Our lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL). To receive this “approval”, our testing center successfully completes a rigorous evaluation by ICAVL. Only centers proving compliance with current, standard techniques and a high level of accuracy are awarded this certificate. Not all testing centers have applied for or will be granted accreditation by ICAVL, but we feel this accreditation exemplifies dedication to providing patients with the best of care. In the future, we will continue to incorporate advanced techniques and to meet the high standards that ICAVL requires. We see this as our responsibility to our patients.

The Ultrasound Lab is also accredited in Abdominal/General ultrasound by the
American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine and Accredited in Breast
ultrasound by the American College of Physicians.

The Coastal Surgery Specialists Ultrasound Lab is a vital part of our Comprehensive Breast Care Center. Diagnostic breast ultrasound can be used for the evaluation of a palpable lump, or as a follow-up to an abnormal mammogram finding. Ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to an open excisional biopsy. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found 78-80 percent of biopsies yield only benign abnormalities, not cancer, and no further surgical treatment is necessary. We also perform other limited, general diagnostic ultrasounds, such as gallbladder/biliary sonograms for evaluation of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, and thyroid and parathyroid sonograms for the assessment of abnormalities with an optional inclusion of a needle biopsy.

Ultrasound Technicians

Our staff consists of four experienced ultrasound sonographers. Dana Bartholomew, RT, RDMS, RVT attended Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Radiology in Michigan for the education of Radiologic Technology, and also Florida Institute of Ultrasound for Diagnostic Sonography and Vascular Technology. Dana is registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. She is affiliated with SDMS, NCUS, AIUM, and SVT. She has had extensive experience in performing invasive liver, renal, breast biopsies, paracentesis and thoracentesis, intraoperative and vascular studies. Dana has also in the past instructed ultrasonography students at their clinical sites.

Denise Carlin, RT, RDMS, RVT also brings to this lab her Associate of Applied Science Degree/Radiologic Technology that she attained from Vance-Granville College in North Carolina. There she maintained Deans List recognition all quarters, and was also a member of the honor society. Later she attended Florida Institute of Ultrasound and received her Certificate of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Technologist. Denise is registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. She has ultrasound proficiencies in abdominal, vascular, obstetrics/gynecology, and small parts.

Sue Miller, RDMS, RTR is our third ultrasound technologist in our expanding laboratory. She completed her training at the Advanced Radiology Technician School, Naval School of Health Sciences, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She has had additional training in ultrasound studies at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Sue has been performing radiology/ultrasound studies since 1989.

Susan Wallis, RDMS, RVT attended Pitt Community College in Greenville, NC, where she received her A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She is currently attending the Oregon Institute of technology’s Online Degree Completion Program and will complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Vascular Ultrasound Technology in August 2008. Susan is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, and a Registered Vascular Technologist with proficiencies in abdominal, vascular, obstetrics/gynecology and breast. She is affiliated with the SDMS, NCUS, and SVU.

All test results are interpreted by the surgeons of Coastal Surgery Specialists. Our surgeons have many years of training and experience in the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of vascular diseases. Also, our surgeons meet continuing education requirements as required by ICAVL. More importantly, coupling this technology with a close patient-doctor relationship affords our surgeons a unique clinical perspective. In short, we feel our patients benefit.