Peripheral arterial sonography uses color and spectral Doppler to evaluate the arterial supply to the lower and upper extremities, diagnosing atherosclerotic occlusive disease, aneurysms, arterial trauma, and bypass graft patency. It is an essential component of vascular laboratory assessment for patients with claudication, rest pain, and limb-threatening ischemia.
Sonographers systematically image the iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries, documenting waveform morphology and peak systolic velocities. Significant stenosis is identified by focal velocity elevation (2:1 ratio) and post-stenotic waveform dampening. Lower extremity bypass graft surveillance detects graft stenosis before thrombosis, preserving patency in vein and prosthetic conduits. Physiologic testing including ankle-brachial index (ABI) and segmental pressures complements imaging.
The RVT credential from ARDMS covers peripheral arterial sonography within the vascular technology specialty. Sonographers in this area work in vascular surgery practices, hospital vascular labs, podiatry offices, and wound care centers. Accurate arterial mapping directly impacts decisions about angioplasty, stenting, bypass surgery, and amputation level in patients with peripheral artery disease.