Practical Arterial Evaluation of the Lower Extremity

Abstract

Sonographic examination of the lower extremity arterial system can be time-consuming and arduous if performed in its entirety on every patient who is referred to the vascular sonography laboratory. In fact, most patients can benefit from a tailored noninvasive arterial examination that integrates clinical, physiological, and imaging/Doppler modalities in answering the referring physician s questions. This study provides an algorithm for assessing the type and level of information needed for most patients arriving in the sonography suite with known or suspected peripheral arterial disease.