• Mr. Kevin O'Malley - General and Vascular Consultant Surgeon
• Mr. Martin O'Donohoe - General and Vascular Consultant Surgeon
• Ms. Cliona Gray - Chief Vascular Technologist
• Ms. Katrina O'Brien - Senior Vascular Technologist
• Ms. Grainne Errity - Vascular Technologist
• Ms. Ann Murphy - Laboratory Secretary

Description of Service:

The Vascular Laboratory performs non-evasive vascular diagnostic testing under the overall direction of the Vascular Consultant Surgeons, Mr. K. O'Malley and Mr. M. O'Donohue. The Vascular Laboratory is based within the Division of Surgery, in the management structure of the hospital. The Vascular Laboratory was established in 1993 and performs approximately 4,000 examinations per year. The Department provides a service for both in-patients and out-patients.

Utilising ultrasound equipment with colour Doppler facilities and a computerised blood flow measuring system, the Vascular Laboratory provides a comprehensive non-invasive diagnostic imaging service for both arterial and venous diseases. A major part of the workload in the Laboratory is the investigation of the Carotid Arteries in patients who have suffered a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or stroke (CVA).

Investigations currently performed in Vascular Laboratory:

• Carotid Duplex
• Upper and lower limb arterial duplex
• Upper and lower limb arterial Doppler pressure measurements
• Follow up graft duplex
• Upper and lower limb venous duplex, varicose vein assessment
• Abdominal aorta duplex
• Pre-operative AV fistula and post op AV fistula duplex assessment

Access to Service

Hospital Consultant Referral

• Referral by Mater Hospital Consultant: Requested on the Hospital Ordering Systems by consultant or NCHD medical staff. The order/request of examination must include appropriate clinical data, patient name, date of birth, address and contact telephone number.
• Other Hospital Consultant Referrals: Written request by letter or fax providing appropriate clinical data, patient name, date of birth, address and contact telephone number. Telephone requests must be followed by a written signed request.

(Appointments are scheduled on a "Clinical Priority Basis" - each request is prioritised according to the available clinical data.)

Approximate Hospital out-patient waiting times:

1. Carotid Duplex: Patients with TIA symptoms within 2 weeks
2. Carotid Duplex: Asymptomatic patients approx 3 months
3. Lower Limb Arterial Studies approx 3-4 months
4. Varicose vein and venous duplex approx 6-8 months

(These are approximate waiting times and are constantly under revision)

Vascular Ultrasound

An important diagnostic tool used in the diagnosis and detection of blood vessel problems. Your Vascular Lab visit will consist of a safe non-invasive ultrasound exam. Non-invasive means the ultrasound procedure does not require the use of needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia. Ultrasound uses sound wave frequencies too high to be heard by humans as a safe and harmless method to diagnose many medical conditions. A qualified technologist will perform your procedure by applying a hypoallergenic water-based gel to the area to be evaluated. Then a small microphone-like device called a transducer is passed over the gel coated area to be examined, which produces an image on the screen of the ultrasound machine. Ultrasound is also used to measure the blood flow in specific blood vessels. Noises might be heard while the technologist listens to the blood flow.

Your Visit

To prepare for your Vascular Ultrasound examination, you should wear comfortable clothing. There is no special preparation for most exams except for abdominal vascular ultrasound exams, in which case you will be requested not to eat of drink for 6 hours prior to examination. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment for registration purposes. Most exams take approximately 30 minutes to complete. After examination is completed, you will be free to go about your daily routine. The test results will generally be available within 24-48 hours for your referring Doctor's review.

Explanation of Terms

• Carotid Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the carotid arteries located in the neck that feed the brain with blood. Gel will be applied to the skin of the neck. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and evaluate and listen to the blood flow in the arteries.
• Venous Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins that carry blood to the heart from the legs and arms. Gel will be applied to the skin of the legs or arms. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and evaluate flow in the veins.
• Arterial Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the arteries that feed the legs and arms with blood. Gel will be applied to the skin of the legs or arms. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and listen to the blood flow in the arms or legs.
• Arterial Pressures and Waveforms: Ultrasound and blood pressure cuffs are used to evaluate the arteries that supply the arms and legs with blood. Several blood pressure cuffs will be placed at different segments of your legs or arms. When inflated, the cuffs will provide blood pressure readings as well as waveforms. This test will locate areas of blockage with the arteries.
• Abdominal Vascular Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the blood vessels that bring to and away from your abdominal organs. Gel will be applied to the abdomen. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and listen to blood flow in the arteries and/or veins. Prior to your exam you must fast (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.

Contact Numbers

Telephone: 01 8034251/ 01 8034245
Fax: 01 8034252
Email: 

Opening hours: 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed Bank Holidays.