An arterial segmental exam uses blood pressures to evaluate the flow of blood in the arms and legs.
Reason for procedure:
To investigate the cause of the following symptoms:
Claudication (pain, fatigue, cramping or tingling in the leg(s) and/or arms brought on by exercise that goes away when resting)
Numbness of the legs and/or feet at rest
Cold legs and/or feet
Loss of hair on leg and/or feet
Paleness or blueness of the legs and/or arms
Weak or absent pulse in the leg or arm
Sores, injury, or infection of the feet and legs that heal slowly
Preparation:
None
What is done during the procedure?
A brief history will be obtained. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and then lie on a table. Pulses will be obtained from various sites along the arms and legs.
Then blood pressure cuffs will be placed at specific locations on the arms and legs. These cuffs will be inflated and the blood pressure recorded. At times, you may be asked to perform low impact exercises, i.e. heel-toe raises, in order to recreate symptoms.
How long will it take?
The length of time varies, depending on your specific situation. However, in most cases, it will take about 30 minutes.
Will it hurt?
When the blood pressure cuffs are inflated you will feel pressure. The sonographer works quickly to obtain the pressures to reduce the amount of discomfort.
