ANALYSIS OF LOWER-EXTREMITY BLOOD-FLOW IN THE PATIENT WITH PERIPHERALVASCULAR INSUFFICIENCY - A GUIDE FOR PLASTIC SURGEONS

Accurate assessment of lower extremity blood flow is critical in selec ting appropriate therapy for patients with peripheral vascular disease and nonhealing wounds. Although physical examination provides an idea about the extent and significance of the disease, further evaluation, including both noninvasive and invasive studies, is routinely obtaine d. Appropriate studies will provide valuable information about the loc ation and severity of disease, the need for revascularization before d efinitive wound coverage, and the likelihood of wound healing. A brief overview of vascular laboratory tests, highlighting the values and li mitations of each, is presented here.