Using non-invasive methods to perform vascular assessment

Stubbing, Nicola RGN

Nicola Stubbing RGN, is Clinical Nurse Specialist/Vascular Technologist, Vascular Laboratory, Stafford District General Hospital.
This article is based on a paper published in the Leg Ulcer Forum Brochure.

Nursing Standard 10(45):p 49-50, July 31, 1996.

This article looks at the methods now available for assessing peripheral vascular disease since the introduction of Doppler ultrasound.The author also describes the uses of colour duplex ultrasound scanning in assessing venous valve competence, and in the assessment of disease in the carotid arteries and abdominal aorta.