Analysis of lower extremity blood flow in the patient with peripheral vascular insufficiency: a guide for plastic surgeons.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of lower extremity blood flow is critical in selecting appropriate therapy for patients with peripheral vascular disease and nonhealing wounds. Although physical examination provides an idea about the extent and significance of the disease, further evaluation, including both noninvasive and invasive studies, is routinely obtained. Appropriate studies will provide valuable information about the location and severity of disease, the need for revascularization before definitive wound coverage, and the likelihood of wound healing. A brief overview of vascular laboratory tests, highlighting the values and limitations of each, is presented here.