Examination of the Vascular System

Examination of the Vascular System

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Broadly there are three relevant vascular exams to learn:



  1. Peripheral vascular examination – lower limb (Figure 12.1).
  2. Varicose veins (Chapter 14).
  3. Ulcers – essentially a matter of simply observing (Chapter 55).

Occasionally you may be asked to assess the upper limb arterial supply although this is unusual for undergraduates and even up to MRCS level. The principles are the same as for the lower limb arterial exam.


Peripheral Vascular Examination


The patient should be lying comfortably on the couch either supine or head slightly raised with the torso and legs exposed (can wear underwear for now).


Introduce and Ask Permission


Observe


Stand at the end of the bed and inspect:



  • around the bed for paraphernalia of vascular or related diseases (e.g. prosthetic limb, nebuliser equipment)
  • the patient themselves for obvious stigmata of vascular disease (e.g. median sternotomy wound, nicotine staining, SOB at rest).

Inspect


Legs for:

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Related posts:

  1. Vascular Investigations: Overview
  2. Raynaud’s and Cold Injury
  3. Peripheral Vascular Disease I: Overview
  4. Angiography II: Access and Imaging

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Jul 1, 2016 | Posted by in CARDIOLOGY | Comments Off on Examination of the Vascular System

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