Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
[Determining the degree of stenosis of peripheral arteries. Hemodynamic and ultrasound principles]
D Neuerburg-Heusler1, T Karasch
1Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln.
Insights
Colour duplex sonography aids peripheral arterial stenosis assessment. The peak velocity ratio (PVR) offers a reliable method for grading these stenoses, despite complex haemodynamic factors.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Medical Imaging
- Haemodynamics
Background:
- Colour duplex sonography enables peripheral arterial stenosis identification and quantification.
- Peripheral arterial haemodynamics present greater complexity than carotid arteries due to longer vessels, peripheral resistance, and multiple lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of colour duplex sonography for assessing peripheral arterial stenoses.
- To explore different qualitative and quantitative sonographic approaches for stenosis evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized b-mode sonography, spectral analysis, velocity measurements, continuity equation, and Bernoulli equation for haemodynamic assessment.
- Investigated the peak velocity ratio (PVR) as a quantitative measure.
Main Results:
- Colour duplex sonography is feasible for assessing peripheral arterial stenoses.
- The peak velocity ratio (PVR) demonstrated mathematical foundation, versatility, and reliability for stenosis grading.
- Standardized criteria for stenosis grading are not yet universally adopted.
Conclusions:
- Colour duplex sonography is a valuable tool for peripheral arterial stenosis assessment.
- The peak velocity ratio (PVR) is a promising, reliable method for grading peripheral arterial stenoses.
- Further standardization of criteria may enhance clinical application.
Abstract:
With colour duplex sonography, the identification and quantification of arterial stenoses in peripheral arteries had become feasible in reasonable time. However, the haemodynamic considerations are more complicated in peripheral arteries than in carotid arteries. This is attributable to the much longer vessel length, the influences of peripheral resistance, the frequency of multiple stenoses and combinations of occlusion and stenosis with multiple collateral vessels. Different qualitative and quantitative approaches are used: b-mode sonography, spectral analysis, velocity measurements, continuity equation and estimation of systolic pressure gradients (Bernoulli equation). Although standardized criteria in the grading of stenoses are not commonly used, the peak velocity ratio (PVR as a ratio of intra-and prestenotic velocity) seems to be mathematically founded, usefully versatile and reliable.
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

