General 6 — Vascular Knowledge Hub

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound as an imaging technique has multiple advantages for patients as it is a non-invasive and painless procedure. It can be used to diagnose and monitor various vascular conditions such as blood clots, arterial narrowing, and aneurysms. To obtain precise and reliable results, physicians require extensive training in vascular ultrasound techniques, including knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as proficiency in operating the ultrasound equipment and interpreting the resulting images. This typically involves completing a formal training program or certification process and ongoing continuing education and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.

Workshop program

Lower and upper extremity veins

Indications for using vascular ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in venous disease include swelling, pain, and discolouration of the legs, which may be symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis or venous insufficiency. Vascular ultrasound can also be used to evaluate healthy veins that might be used as vein grafts for revascularisation procedures or to create vascular access for hemodialysis.

Viscero-renal vessels

Pathophysiological findings of the viscero- renal arteries, such as stenosis or occlusions, may affect various intraabdominal organs in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. Schistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and contaminated water sources. It is associated with damage to the liver, spleen, and other organs, as well as to the blood vessels, particularly the portal vein and mesenteric veins. Vascular ultrasound can detect structural abnormalities and changes in blood flow in these vessels, including portal hypertension, splenomegaly, and varices, which are dilated veins that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Carotid and vertebral arteries

The evaluation of the blood supply to the brain is challenging and specific training in neuro-vascular ultrasound imaging is warranted. Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke symptoms, such as sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking may benefit in case of pathological findings such as high-grade stenosis of the carotid or vertebral arteries provided appropriate therapy options are available.

Peripheral arteries

Vascular ultrasound of the peripheral arteries is a safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective alternative to more invasive imaging techniques such as angiography or computed tomography angiography (CTA). It is also helpful in monitoring the progression of PAD. Indications for vascular ultrasound include symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), such as rest pain or cramping of the legs and weakness during exercise to detect stenosis, occlusions or aneurysms of the arteries.