[Quality standards for duplex ultrasonographic assessment (duplex us) of abdominal aortic stent grafts]

Abstract

The quality standards of the French Society of Vascular Medicine for the ultrasound assessment of lower limb arteries in vascular medicine practice are based on the principle that these examinations have to meet two requirements: technical know-how (knowledge of devices and methodologies); medical know-how (level of examination matching the indication and purpose of the examination, interpretation and critical analysis of results).

Objectives of the quality standards: To describe an optimal level of examination adjusted to the indication or clinical hypothesis; to establish harmonious practices, methodologies, terminologies, results description and report; to provide good practice reference points and to promote a high quality process.

Themes of the quality standards: The three levels of examination, indications and objectives for each level; the reference standard examination (level 2) and its variants according to indications; the minimal content of the exam report, the medical conclusion letter to the corresponding physician (synthesis, conclusion and management suggestions); commented glossary (anatomy, hemodynamics, signs and symptoms); technical basis; device settings. Here, we discuss duplex ultrasound for the supervision of the aortic stent grafts.

Keywords: Abdominal aortic aneurysm; Anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale; Endoprothèse aortique; Endovascular aneurysm repair; Standardisation; Standards; Ultrasonography; Écho-Doppler.