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American Heart Month: 3 Types of Heart Disease to Screen For 

What is Heart Disease?  February is American Heart Month, a national observance designed to promote awareness of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. Although it is prevalent, it is preventable and treatable with lifestyle changes and screening.  Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular […]

Getting to know Lynn Vera, Scheduler

How long have you worked at Mint Medical? 15 years in March of 2023 What has your career journey been like? I’ve been in the medical field for almost 25 years as a medical office manager, medical biller and coder, nursing recruiter for a home care agency, medical assistant, and my current position as a […]

The Importance of Housing Vascular Labs within Vascular Surgery Departments 

Vascular laboratories are a critical component of patient care for full-service hospitals. Within vascular labs, Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs) perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound exams for screening, diagnostic, and monitoring purposes. These exams include but are not limited to dialysis access evaluation, peripheral venous ultrasound, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, and renal artery ultrasound.  Although hospitals have […]

The Top 5 Qualities of an Excellent Vascular Lab

We all want to enjoy coming to work every day. When you enjoy your job, you’re more productive; you’re happier overall. Here are five qualities that make an excellent environment for vascular lab technicians (vascular techs) to work in daily.  1) A positive work environment  A positive work environment is essential for any profession. Many […]

What is an Upper Extremity Venous Ultrasound? 

Introduction to Vascular Ultrasound An upper extremity ultrasound is a type of vascular ultrasound exam. Vascular ultrasound is an imaging technique designed to examine the cardiovascular, or circulatory system, which comprises the veins and arteries. These ultrasound exams use Doppler technology, which uses harmless, high-frequency soundwaves to create images and videos of what is happening […]

Northwest Vascular Technologists Meet in October 2022

The Northwest Vascular Technologists Association held its annual conference in beautiful Bend, Oregon, at The Riverhouse on the Deschutes. The event is geared towards vascular technologists and other medical professionals and features keynote speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and more. It is an opportunity for vascular technologists and other medical professionals to come together for two […]

Everything You Need to Know about Peripheral Vascular Disease 

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease? Peripheral vascular disease, or PVD, is characterized by the narrowing of the peripheral blood vessels. Peripheral vessels are located away from the heart and brain. Any narrowing of the vessels restricts blood flow and can lead to blockages. Peripheral vascular disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis or a buildup of […]

Getting to know Marilee Pickles, Registered Vascular Technologist

How long have you worked at Mint Medical? Since June 2011 What has your career journey been like? I worked in Colorado and Washington as a Vascular Tech before moving to California. What’s your day like? Vascular studies; venous reflux, segmental pressures, lower and upper arterial duplex, vein mapping, AV fistula, graft and stent surveillance, […]

Vascular Ultrasound for Dialysis Patients

What is Dialysis? Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure. When the kidneys work correctly, they filter toxins and waste from the blood. Dialysis is a process in which blood is removed from the body and filtered using a machine before being delivered back into the body. Kidney failure occurs most often due to chronic […]

Three Signs You May Need a Carotid Ultrasound Exam 

What are the Carotid Arteries? The carotid arteries are the larger arteries located on either side of the neck. These arteries are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to the brain. The carotid arteries are part of the vascular or circulatory system, which is made up of the veins and arteries of the […]