Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Tests of Peripheral Venous Circulation

Question 1

Percussion Test

Answer 1

• Determines competence of greater saphenous vein

Question 2

Percussion Test: How to Perform

Answer 2

• In standing, therapist palpates the vein and then percusses the vein approx 20 cm higher
• If pulse wave is felt by lower hand the intervening valves are incompetent

Question 3

Trendelenberg Test

Answer 3

• Determines competence of communicating veins and saphenous system

Question 4

Trendelenberg Test: How to Perform

Answer 4

• Patient supine with legs elevated to 60 degrees
• Tourniquet on proximal thigh
• Patient is then asked to stand
• Therapist notes of veins fill on normal pattern
• Should take approx 30 seconds

Question 5

Venous Filling Time

Answer 5

• Examine time to refill veins after emptying

Question 6

Venous Filling Time: How to Perform

Answer 6

• Patient supine, passively elevate patients leg to 45 degrees for 1 minute
• Then place in dependent position
• Note for veins to refill
• Delayed filling of greater than 15 seconds is indicative of venous insufficiency

Question 7

Doppler Ultrasound

Answer 7

• Doppler prob placed over large vessels
• Ultrasound signal given transcutaneously
• Movement of blood causes shift in signal frequency that can be heard by the therapist

Question 8

Ait Plethysmyography

Answer 8

• Pneumatic device calibrated to measure patency of venous system
• Cuff occludes venous return over calf
• Measures volume and time to baseline with deflation.