[Vascular POCUS : a complementary tool, not a substitute to the angiologist]

The rise of vascular point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is transforming the diagnostic approach in primary care. This promising development raises questions about the balance between generalists and angiologists. There are substantial training gaps: 300 exams are required for POCUS certification, compared to 1,250 for the angiologist qualification. This affects diagnostic accuracy, notably for the 30-50 % of distal thromboses that are missed by the two-point protocol. POCUS should be considered as a rapid orientation tool, particularly useful in emergencies or when immediate access to a specialist is not possible. In other situations, however, evaluation by an angiologist remains essential to ensure a complete diagnosis and optimal management. This complementarity between generalists and specialists is key to providing both efficient and safe care.