Advanced Vascular Duplex Ultrasound
Hemodynamic assessment, stenosis grading & duplex scanning protocols
Course Overview
This advanced module equips experienced sonographers with the skills to perform and interpret comprehensive vascular duplex examinations. Covering peripheral arterial and venous systems as well as carotid and vertebral arteries, the course integrates spectral Doppler analysis with B-mode and colour flow imaging to deliver clinically actionable reports.
Participants will develop proficiency in haemodynamic assessment, stenosis grading using validated criteria, and the identification of pathological waveform patterns. The module also addresses post-interventional surveillance, graft assessment, and the integration of findings with clinical context.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply validated stenosis grading criteria for carotid, renal, and peripheral arteries
- Interpret spectral Doppler waveforms in the context of proximal and distal disease
- Perform and document lower limb venous duplex examinations to DVT protocol
- Assess arterial bypass grafts and endovascular stents for patency and complications
- Recognise and manage common technical pitfalls in duplex scanning
- Produce structured vascular ultrasound reports meeting international standards
Curriculum
Vascular Anatomy & Haemodynamic Principles
- Arterial and venous anatomy review
- Doppler physics and waveform analysis
- Resistance indices and pulsatility
Carotid & Vertebral Duplex
- ICA/ECA differentiation
- NASCET/ECST stenosis grading
- Plaque characterisation and risk stratification
Peripheral Arterial Assessment
- Lower limb arterial duplex protocol
- ABI correlation and interpretation
- Aneurysm detection and surveillance
Venous Duplex & DVT Protocol
- Compression ultrasound technique
- Chronic vs acute thrombus differentiation
- Venous reflux and insufficiency assessment
Renal & Mesenteric Vasculature
- Renal artery stenosis criteria
- Mesenteric duplex scanning
- Transplant renal artery assessment
Post-Interventional Surveillance
- Bypass graft surveillance protocols
- Endovascular stent assessment
- Reporting and clinical communication
Prerequisites
- Minimum 2 years clinical ultrasound experience
- Basic vascular anatomy knowledge
- Familiarity with Doppler principles
Assessment
Online MCQ examination (70% pass mark) + case-based portfolio submission