Vascular Lower Extremity BachelorClass

In this first chapter we discuss the history of vascular disease, the importance of studying it, and its prevalence worldwide. Subsequently, we cover the professions to which this course is tailored and a chronological overview of the upcoming chapters. Prior to diving into the deep end of vascular imaging, we must first undersand the basic ultrasound concepts. Basic ultrasound concepts entail a general overview of the ultrasound system then a more focused lens on individual ultrasound system functions. Furthemore, we will learn how to set up our ultrasound environment. Once our ultrasound environment is prepared, we will review orientation, transducer ergonomics, transducer manipulation, and basic knobology. Then we proceed to learn advanced ultrasound concepts. These concepts entail image optimization via B-mode, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler, which will enable us to have full diagnostic confidence during image aquisition.

A mastery of the technical and conceptual concepts regarding ultrasound imaging is not sufficient to create a competent sonographer. To truly excel, we must consider how we communicate with others. In order to answer the clinical questions, this chapter will provide a guideline regarding how communicate with both the patient and the physician.

A thorough understanding of the peripheral arterial system is required to image the lower extremities. This chapter encompasses normal arterial anatomy, arterial physiology, and arterial hemodynamics.

Now that we have an understanding of normal peripheral arterial function, we have a foundation to learn how to differentiate between various peripheral arterial diseases. This chapter covers peripheral arterial pathology and the pathophysiology behind atherosclerosis, aneurysms, fibromuscular dysplasia, and congenital anomalies.

This chapter covers the technical protocol for duplex evaluation of the lower extremity peripheral arterial system. We review how to orient via the anatomic landmarks. Subsequently, we review how to image the peripheral arterial system with B-mode, color Doppler, and sprectral pulsed wave Doppler.

This chapter covers duplex evaluation of lower extremity peripheral arterial pathology. We review how to image and document the pathological findings of stenosis, occlusion, and aneurysms via B-mode, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler.

A thorough understanding of the peripheral venous system is required to image the lower extremities. This chapter covers normal venous anatomy of the deep and superficial systems. Subsequently, this chapter covers venous physiology and venous hemodynamics.

Now that we have an understanding of normal peripheral venous function, we have a foundation to learn how to differentiate between various peripheral venous diseases. This chapter covers peripheral venous pathology and the pathophysiology behind venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis, and post-thrombotic luminal wall changes.

This chapter covers the technical protocol for duplex evaluation of the lower extremity peripheral venous system. We review how to orient via the anatomic landmarks. Subsequently, we review how to image the peripheral venous system for patency with B-mode, color Doppler, and sprectral pulsed wave Doppler.

This chapter covers the duplex evaluation of the lower extremity peripheral venous system. We review how to orient via the anatomic landmarks. Subsequently, we review how to image the peripheral venous system for insufficiency with B-mode, color Doppler, and spectral pulsed wave Doppler.

This chapter covers the technical protocol for duplex evaluation of the lower extremity peripheral venous pathology. We review how to image and document the pathological findings of deep vein thrombosis, deep venous insufficiency, and superficial venous insufficiency via B-mode, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler.

Functional arterial and venous testing is complementary to ultrasound imaging of the peripheral arterial and venous system. Together, these modalities allow us to paint a complete and vivid picture of the patient's peripheral arterial and venous pathology. This chapter covers ABI testing, segmental testing, and pulse-volume recording as well as air plethysmography testing. Furthermore, modern technology allows us to use alternative ultrasound modalities in order to improve our visualization of the peripheral venous system. This chapter also covers one of these modalities: intravascular ultrasound.