Aims

1. Assess the lower extremity arteries (e.g., common femoral, superficial femoral, profunda, popliteal, posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis, peroneal). Aortoiliac segments must be assessed directly or indirectly.
2. Localize and characterize arterial stenoses, occlusions, and collateral flow.
3. Provide a detailed assessment of the arterial tree.

Indications

Appropriate indications might include:

1. Evaluation of atherosclerotic disease causing life-style limiting claudication, rest pain, presence of ulceration, or gangrene*
2. Determination of efficacy and/or technical adequacy of surgical or interventional therapy
3. Evaluation of suspected aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, masses, or palpable thrills**
4. Assessment of bypass grafts
5. Evaluation of arterial trauma and
6. Follow-up of post surgical or interventional procedures

*    Ankle-brachial indices (ABIs) are objective physiologic measurements to assess the degree of ischemia the patient is experiencing and should be included in all lower extremity arterial duplex examinations; APIs analysis pre- and post-exercise should be performed before considering a lower extremity duplex exam. A duplex exam is not indicated if the pre- and post-Doppler waveforms and pressures are within normal limits.

**   Patients referred for possible mass, aneurysm, or pseudoaneurysm would not be required to have a prior physiologic test.