Vascular Examination
Vascular Examination - Related Videos
07:44
Ophthalmoscopic Examination
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2023
Source: Richard Glickman-Simon, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, MA The simplest ophthalmoscopes consist of an aperture to look through, a diopter indicator, and a disc for selecting lenses. The ophthalmoscope is primarily used to examine the fundus, or the inner wall of the posterior eye, which consists of the choroid, retina, fovea, macula, optic disc, and retinal vessels (Figure 1). The spherical eyeball...
08:18
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
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Cited by 6 •
2016
To date, thick tissue defects are typically reconstructed by applying autologous tissue flaps or engineered tissues. In this protocol, we present a new method for engineering vascularized tissue flap bearing an autologous pedicle, to serve as a substitute to autologous flaps.
05:26
Two-Dimensional X-Ray Angiography to Examine Fine Vascular Structure Using a Silicone Rubber Injection Compound
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Cited by 2 •
2019
This study presents a simple two-dimensional angiographic method to examine fine vascular structures using a silicone rubber injection compound and soft tissue X-ray system.
35:03
Mental Status Examination
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2023
Source: Carmen Black, Matthew Goldenberg, and Jaideep Talwalkar; Yale School of Medicine The mental status exam is a clinical evaluation of emotional, perceptual, and cognitive functioning that spans both the fields of psychiatry and neurology. Developing skill in the psychiatric portions of the examination are important to describe salient aspects of the patient's mental state that may be observed during routine history and/or physical exam. Proficiency in the cognitive portions of this...
20:06
The Comprehensive Infant Examination
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2023
Source: Heather Collette and Jaideep Talwalkar; Yale School of Medicine The newborn exam is important in establishing a baby's baseline health status as they enter the world. Newborn providers have the unique opportunity to evaluate a patient for the very first time. They are also tasked with identifying congenital anomalies that require early intervention to promote a long and healthy life for the child. Many newborn anomalies, such as heart defects, are noted on prenatal ultrasound. However,...
FAQs
Arterial assessment focuses on perfusion, including peripheral pulses, skin color, temperature, and capillary refill. Venous assessment gives greater attention to swelling and visible veins, which may reflect altered venous circulation. Interpreting these findings together helps clinicians recognize whether abnormal blood flow is more consistent with impaired arterial delivery or venous drainage problems.
Peripheral pulses provide information about blood movement through specific arterial locations, while capillary refill offers an additional indication of how quickly tissue perfusion returns after pressure is released. Comparing these observations can strengthen the assessment of circulation because one finding may appear abnormal even when another appears preserved. The combined pattern supports decisions about further evaluation.
Blood-pressure comparison can reveal differences between examined sites that may indicate altered arterial flow. Doppler techniques add information about blood-flow patterns that cannot be determined reliably through inspection or palpation alone. These tools therefore extend the bedside assessment, helping clinicians investigate suspected circulation changes and decide whether more diagnostic testing is warranted.
Changes in skin temperature and color can signal altered perfusion, whereas swelling may point toward problems affecting venous circulation or fluid drainage. Visible veins provide another observable clue about venous status. None of these findings should be interpreted in isolation; their significance comes from the overall pattern observed during the examination and from comparison between relevant areas.
A systematic examination begins with inspection for skin-color changes, temperature differences, swelling, and visible veins. The clinician then palpates peripheral pulses and assesses capillary refill, followed by auscultation when appropriate. Blood-pressure comparison or Doppler assessment can provide additional information about circulation. Organizing the examination in this sequence supports consistent findings and clearer clinical interpretation.
The examination is useful when clinicians evaluate suspected peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, aneurysms, or chronic venous insufficiency. Findings can indicate whether impaired flow or a related complication requires additional diagnostic testing. Repeated assessments also help monitor vascular health over time and support decisions about treatment by showing whether clinical findings change.