Vascular Ultrasound Lecture Notes

Flashcards about Arteries and Veins, Lower Extremity Venous Anatomy, Venous Insufficiency, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Duplex Imaging Criteria, and Compression Tips

What are the characteristics of arteries?

Thick walls, high pressure, carry blood away from the heart

What are the characteristics of veins?

Thin walls, low pressure, carry blood to the heart, contain valves

What are the characteristics of venous flow?

Low pressure, phasic flow, responds to respiration

What are the characteristics of arterial flow?

High pressure, pulsatile flow, shows triphasic/biphasic/monophasic patterns

What veins are included in the Lower Extremity Deep Venous System?

CFV, FV, POP, PTV, ATV, Peroneal Veins

What veins are included in the Lower Extremity Superficial Venous System?

GSV, SSV

What is the function of perforator veins?

Connect deep & superficial veins; contain valves to prevent backflow

What is the function of venous valves?

Normally one-way, prevent reflux

What is a competent valve?

Closes properly

What is a non-competent valve?

Allows backward flow, leading to venous insufficiency

What does a normal venous Doppler signal sound like?

Phasic, spontaneous, with augmentations

What does an abnormal venous Doppler signal sound like?

Continuous flow indicates obstruction; reflux indicates valve failure

What is the main cause of venous insufficiency?

Valve incompetence

What are the signs of venous insufficiency?

Heaviness, swelling, varicose veins, skin changes

What are some complications of venous insufficiency?

Ulcers, stasis dermatitis

What anatomical structures cause May-Thurner Syndrome?

Left iliac vein compressed by right iliac artery

What are the signs of May-Thurner Syndrome?

Swelling, pain, possible PE

What are the risk factors for DVT?

Surgery, immobility, cancer, clotting disorders

What are some complications of DVT?

PE, post-thrombotic syndrome

What are the three components of Virchow's Triad?

Venous stasis, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability

What are the Duplex Imaging criteria for DVT?

Lack of compressibility, visualization of clot, lack of augmentation or spontaneous flow, reflux on Doppler

What is the proper technique for venous compression during ultrasound?

Compress vein in transverse view

When should compression not be performed during venous duplex imaging?

Avoid compression over areas with pain, post-op sites, or obvious trauma