Training activity information
Details
Identify, analyse and interpret the normal anatomy and haemodynamics of the lower limb arteries (fem pop segment only) in a range of patients using:
- Spectral Doppler
- Colour
- B mode
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Troubleshooting
- Physiology, histology and pathology of the lower limb arteries
- Impact of disease on Doppler spectrum, colour spectral and B mode
- Artifact causes and corrections
- Limitations and pitfalls
- Consequences of misdiagnosis
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the expected normal anatomical features and haemodynamic characteristics (spectral Doppler waveforms, colour flow patterns) of the femoral and popliteal arteries?
- What criteria will you use to differentiate normal from potentially abnormal findings in B-mode, colour Doppler, and spectral Doppler assessments in the fem-pop segment?
- What preparation will you undertake to review normal lower limb arterial anatomy and haemodynamics prior to undertaking this activity?
- How will you ensure you are considering the range of patient presentations and potential variations in normal anatomy and haemodynamics in the fem-pop segment?
In action
- As you visualise the femoral and popliteal arteries in B-mode, what anatomical features are you noting to confirm their identity and normality within the fem-pop segment?
- Do the colour Doppler flow patterns correlate with the expected direction and characteristics of blood flow in these arteries?
- What are the characteristics of the spectral Doppler waveforms you are obtaining in the fem-pop segment?
- Do they appear normal?
- Are you encountering any variations in anatomy or haemodynamics between different patient’s fem-pop segment, are these normal variations?
- What aspects of the analysis and interpretation in this segment are requiring you to think/work harder and why?
On action
- Describe the ultrasound appearances (B-mode, Colour Doppler) and spectral Doppler waveforms you observed in the femoral and popliteal arteries.
- Were there any variations in these findings across the ‘range of patients’?
- What were the characteristic haemodynamic features you identified?
- How did different patient’s anatomy and haemodynamics deviate within the normal range?
- How effectively did you use Spectral Doppler, Colour Doppler, and B-mode to identify, analyse, and interpret the normal anatomy and haemodynamics of these arteries?
- How confident were you in distinguishing normal flow patterns?
- Were there any specific haemodynamic parameters that you found easier or more challenging to assess?
- What aspects of lower limb arterial haemodynamic interpretation will you work on going forwards?
- How do you plan to develop your skills for performing and interpreting lower limb arterial assessments in both normal and diseased vessels?
Beyond action
- Consider your initial interpretations of the haemodynamics in the fem-pop segment. How has your understanding of lower limb haemodynamics deepened since this DTA?
- Can you recall instances in your later practice where your ability to interpret normal haemodynamics in this segment helped you to identify or understand the significance of abnormal findings elsewhere in the lower limb arterial system?
- How have you used the development of your anatomical and haemodynamic knowledge to fine tune your ability to interpret results and draft reports?
- Have discussions with/observations of supervisors or peers helped you refine your understanding of the spectrum of ‘normal’ haemodynamic findings in this arterial segment since you completed this DTA?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 6 |
Outcome
Analyse and interpret ultrasound images with reference to haemodynamics whilst performing a range of scans. |