Implanted Vascular Access Device | What to Expect | MedStar Health

MedStar Health has 20 vascular laboratories across the region, providing convenience wherever you live. Our vascular studies are interpreted by vascular surgeons who hold Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) certifications. With 40,000 studies performed annually, our program has one of the highest volumes in the region. All of our labs are accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, providing confidence that high standards and best practices are applied consistently and meticulously.

We provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the carotid, peripheral, and abdominal venous and arterial systems, including: 

  • Ankle-brachial indices 

  • Bypass graft interrogation 

  • Carotid, aortic and renal artery duplex scanning

  • Dialysis access mapping

  • Mesenteric/celiac arterial duplex scanning 

  • Peripheral arterial duplex scanning 

  • Raynaud’s testing 

  • Segmental pressures and waveforms analysis 

  • Screenings, in accordance with CMS guidelines

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome testing 

  • Venous insufficiency assessment 

  • Venous duplex evaluation

  • Venous mapping

What to expect from vascular access device implantation

After you and your doctor decide which device you need, the skin of the implantation site is cleaned thoroughly. Your doctor may use X-ray or ultrasound guidance to properly place the device. You’ll receive medication to numb the site, and the doctor will make an incision.

Larger devices require your doctor to use a guide wire to see where to place the device in the blood vessel. A guide wire is a wire the doctor inserts into the blood vessel during the insertion procedure. Once the device is in place, the guide wire is removed. Part of the device will remain outside your skin. You’ll receive instructions on how to keep the device clean, dry, and in place. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any swelling, pain, or soreness at the device insertion site, as this may be a sign of an infection or injury.

If you’re receiving a port, the doctor will create a small pocket under your skin so doctors and nurses can access your port later.

Tests

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Our locations

Distance from Change locationEnter your location

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

5601 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21239

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

7503 Surratts Rd.
Clinton, MD 20735

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9000 Franklin Square Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD 20650

MedStar Harbor Hospital

3001 S. Hanover St.
Baltimore, MD 21225

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Rd. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Dr.
Olney, MD 20832

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.