What are Peripheral Vascular Studies?

There are a number of peripheral vascular studies.

Peripheral Arterial Studies
Doppler ultrasound and segmental blood pressure evaluation provide information related to severity of vessel disease in the arms or legs.  It allows for accurate assessment of blood flow, plaque buildup, dilated (aneurysmal) segments in the extremities and other abnormalities.
Duplex testing is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of peripheral bypass and hemodialysis access grafts, which allows for identification of graft stenosis prior to occlusion.

Peripheral Venous Studies
Duplex ultrasonography is an effective way to evaluate the deep and superficial venous system for thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be diagnosed with a very high rate of accuracy, and serial examinations allow for assessment of thrombus propagation.
Air Plethysmography (APG) can be used for the evaluation of chronic venous insufficiency.  Chronic venous insufficiency may lead to valvular incompetence causing varicose veins, hyperpigmentation of the skin and, ultimately, venous ulceration.  APG can identify the etiology of this condition, allowing the clinician to direct treatment appropriately.

Carotid Artery Studies
Duplex ultrasound technology provides a noninvasive, highly accurate and safe method to evaluate the carotid arteries for plaques and degree of stenosis.  A high degree of blockage is a risk factor for stroke.  Carotid stenosis is also a marker for coronary artery disease and is therefore an excellent prescreening tool.

Abdominal Vascular Studies
Ultrasonography can be used to assess several vascular structures in the abdomen. The aorta and iliac arteries can be evaluated for presence of aneurysms.  Repeated studies over time may be used to evaluate diameter change in a cost-effective manner. Stenosis of the renal arteries, causing renovascular hypertension or renal insufficiency, can be detected. Stenosis of the mesenteric arteries, causing post-prandial pain and weight loss, can be detected. Evaluation of the inferior vena cava, iliac, hepatic and portal veins can be performed to assess flow and level of obstruction.