Graft Imaging and Surveilance Program
Graft Imaging and Surveilance Program
AIMS
To assess the patency of bypass grafts and to identify any stenosis or problems within or associated with arterial grafts e.g. thrombosis or aneurysmal dilatation.
PATIENT PREPARATION
Upper limb & lower leg grafts: no preparation required.
Intra-abdominal grafts: nil by mouth for 4 hours prior to the examination to minimize bowel gas interference. Fluids may be taken as required.
TECHNIQUE & TEST DURATION
The patient is recumbent. The study is non-invasive and painless and does not involve the injection of any dye. Gel is applied to the skin and the ultrasound probe is moved over the skin of the limb or abdomen. The study takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Resting Pressure Studies are often performed at the same time.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
B-mode imaging of grafts to assess for any stenosis or flow disturbance.
Measure flow within grafts plus assess inflow and outflow of a graft.