Introduction Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) uses endografts, also called endovascular grafts, covered stent-grafts, or transluminally placed endovascular grafts to isolate an aortic aneurysm from the circulation. EVAR is preferred to open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Patients undergoing EVAR will…
Introduction The abdominal aorta is the continuation of the thoracic aorta and the major conduit artery distributing blood to the abdominal organs and then to the lower extremities. Pathologic processes that affect the abdominal aorta, in order of decreasing incidence,…
Introduction In this chapter, we will review the normal anatomy and sonographic appearances of the abdominal arteries and veins. We will include an analysis of the normal Doppler waveforms of the abdominal vessels. Of course, recognition of the normal vascular…
Introduction It is not unusual to encounter incidental findings during the course of a venous examination. Some of these findings may be the cause of extremity pain or swelling apart from venous disease. Recognition of the sonographic features associated with…
Introduction The term chronic venous insufficiency most often refers to venous valvular incompetence in the superficial, deep, perforating and/or the nonsaphenous veins of the lower limb. Although it is thought to affect approximately 40% to 50% of the population and…
Introduction Duplex sonography can effectively diagnose the presence of acute and chronic venous thrombosis in the extremity veins. Most commonly, duplex sonography is used when acute deep vein thrombosis is suspected, but it is also a reliable means for determining…
Introduction Venous thromboembolism is a major health problem, especially among the hospitalized, the elderly, and the patient with underlying hypercoagulable states such as cancer. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), defined as coagulated blood or clot within a deep vein of the…
Introduction Venous structure and function are different from their arterial counterparts. Although they both transport blood, the veins perform multiple different functions. Their tasks include transporting blood back to the heart, helping to regulate body temperature and cardiac output, and…
Introduction Vascular emergencies require a prompt diagnosis, as timely intervention is often critically important. Delays of minutes or hours in diagnosis may mean the difference between life and death, or limb preservation or loss. Ultrasound plays an important role in…
Introduction Noninvasive imaging during and following carotid artery and peripheral arterial interventions can improve procedural and patient outcomes. Duplex ultrasound imaging alone or in conjunction with extremity systolic blood pressure measurements provides accurate diagnostic information sufficient to identify technical problems…