Vascular


Todd Stefan, MD
Medical Director
Vascular Services

In the next few years, more than ten million patients in America will be treated for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), consisting of blockage or abnormality of any blood vessel (outside of the heart.) Here in the Susquehanna Valley, an increasing need was identified to accurately diagnose this disease and provide the best treatment possible.

In response to this epidemic, Evangelical Community Hospital and Todd Stefan, MD (Board Certified Vascular Surgeon) opened the Peripheral Vascular Laboratory. As Medical Director, Dr. Stefan has been active in staff and community education on the diagnosis and treatment of PVD. In July 2003, the lab was granted full accreditation by the prestigious ICAVL (Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories), one of the first in the area. In July 2005, a state-of-the-art Interventional Suite was completed as part of the Radiology Department’s renovation project. After this addition, Evangelical and Dr. Stefan had the final component to open the vascular center; the purpose being to streamline the care of vascular patients and provide cutting edge vascular care.

As part of the center-based care, patients will have their disease diagnosed through an ultrasound exam (Duplex) in the Vascular Lab and then be seen by Dr. Stefan in the Vascular Clinic. The patient and Dr. Stefan will form a treatment plan, and care is then focused toward conservative measures, the interventional suite (for minimally invasive vascular procedures), or surgery depending on the indications. One of the major tenets of the vascular center is to provide care and improve the lives of vascular patients by utilizing every minimally invasive advancement at our disposal. This will, hopefully, minimize pain, incisions, and recovery.

The Vascular Center concept is unique, especially for a community hospital. We proudly offer the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of PVD while maintaining our patient central focus commitment.

Vascular Diagnostic Tests
In order to provide the best possible treatment of vascular diseases, we prescribe and evaluate the following vascular diagnostic exams for our patients. Our physicians provide expert interpretations of lab and test results that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Noninvasive Vascular Tests
Abdominal Vascular Ultrasound Testing

  • Aorta and Iliac Duplex Testing
  • Mesenteric Duplex Testing
  • Renal Duplex Testing

Arterial Evaluation of Extremities

  • Direct Ultrasound Studies
  • Indirect Doppler Pressures and Waveforms
    • At rest
    • After treadmill exercise
  • Dialysis Access Duplex Testing

Venous Evaluation of Extremities

  • Doppler Ultrasound Exam
  • Plethysmography
  • D-dimer blood test

Cerebrovascular Evaluation

  • Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
  • Vertebral Duplex Ultrasound
  • Transcranial Doppler

Invasive Vascular Tests

  • Arteriography (Angiogram)
  • MR Angiography
  • CT Angiography
  • Venography

At the Vascular Center, we have years of experience with a wide range of vascular diseases. The following conditions have been categorized for you convenience.

Arterial Conditions

~ Occlusive Arterial Diseases

Atherosclerosis-Related Diseases

  • Carotid Artery Disease
  • Vertebral Artery Disease
  • Renal Artery Disease
  • Mesenteric Intestinal Disease
  • Lower and Upper Extremity Arterial Disease

Non-Atheroscleratic Arterial Diseases

  • Raynaud’s Disease
  • Buerger’s Disease

~ Aneurysms

  • Aortic Aneurysms
  • Other Aneurysms

Venous Conditions

  • Varicose Veins
  • Spider Veins
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  • Post-Phlebitic

Hemodialysis Access Problems