peripheral arterial disease

Can a triphasic waveform exclude significant peripheral arterial disease (PAD)? Although a triphasic Doppler waveform generally indicates preserved arterial flow characteristics at the sampled site, it cannot rule out significant disease elsewhere in the lower limb arterial system.

This practical guide explains how short focal stenoses, collateral circulation and sampling location can influence waveform interpretation. It also explores why B-mode imaging, colour Doppler, peak systolic velocity (PSV), PSV ratios and pre-, intra- and post-stenotic findings must be assessed together for accurate lower limb arterial ultrasound interpretation and reporting.