Duplex Scanning for Upper Extremity Veins

1.     Describe the anatomy of the superficial and deep veins of the upper extremities.
2.      Describe the flow patterns in the upper extremity veins and the differences between these patterns in the upper and lower extremities.
3.      Understand why post-thrombotic syndrome is less common after deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremities than in the lower extremities.
4.      Know the approach to treatment of thrombosis in the superficial veins and the deep veins and explain why they are different.
5.      Describe the diagnostic criteria used in duplex scanning for deep vein thrombosis.
6.      Describe the essential elements of pre-operative vein mapping prior to using upper extremity veins as vascular conduits for bypass or for creation of dialysis access.

Physicians, sonographers and others who perform and/or interpret vascular ultrasound.

The Institute for Advanced Medical Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Institute for Advanced Medical Education designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

These credits are accepted by ARDMS/APCA, CCI, Sonography Canada and most other credentialing bodies.

For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board or other credentialing organization.

Ted Kohler, MD
Professor Emeritus, University of Washington
Department of Surgery
Seattle, Washington

In compliance with the Essentials and Standards of the ACCME, the author of this CME tutorial is required to disclose any significant financial or other relationships they may have with commercial interests.

Ted Kohler MD discloses no such relationships exist.

No one at IAME who had control over the planning or content of this activity has relationships with commercial interests.