Lipp Vis Nursing ChaptLWBK1630_C02_p013-068

24  Chapter 2 • Cardiovascular Care

DISEASES

VASCULAR DISORDERS AND PROBLEMS WITH PERIPHERAL CIRCULATION Peripheral Artery Disease Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is used to describe the stenosis or occlusion of upper or lower extremities due to atherosclerosis or

thromboembolic disease. Obstruction or narrowing of the lumen can be both asymptomatic and symptomatic. As the disease progresses and blood vessels narrow, decreased arterial flow to the lower extremities occurs resulting in symptoms that are manifested as classis intermittent claudication (IC) or atypical

claudication or leg discomfort. IC is a leg muscle discomfort relieved with rest, while atypical claudication is defined as an extremity discomfort that is exertional but does not resolve with rest. PAS is systemic atherosclerotic process similar to atherosclerotic disease of the coronary vessels.

PICTURING PATHO

Bypass graft

Superficial femoral artery

Popliteal artery

Bypass surgery provides alternate route restore adequate circulation to the distal part of the leg. (Reprinted with permission from Kupinski AM. The Vascular System . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2017.)

Color flow duplex image of popliteal artery with normal triphasic Doppler flow.