Peripheral vascular examination

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Peripheral vascular examination
Purposeassess signs of pathology in the peripheral vascular system

A peripheral vascular examination is a medical examination to discover signs of pathology in the peripheral vascular system. It is performed as part of a physical examination, or when a patient presents with leg pain suggestive of a cardiovascular pathology, typically peripheral artery disease. [1]

Contents

The exam includes several parts: Position/lighting/draping, Inspection, Palpation, Auscultation, and Special maneuvers.

Position/lighting/draping

For this procedure the patient is positioned lying in the supine position on a flat bed or examination table. The patient's hands should remain at their sides with their head resting on a pillow. Lighting needs to be adjusted so that it is ideal. Proper draping has the legs should be exposed, the groin and thigh covered, with drapes are usually placed between the legs.

Inspection

On inspection the clinician looks for signs of:

Palpation

Example of pitting edema in a person with liver failure Pitting Edema2008.jpg
Example of pitting edema in a person with liver failure

Arterial pulses

Auscultation

Special maneuvers

References

  1. 1 2 "Peripheral artery disease assessment". NICE. Retrieved 3 March 2025.