Peripheral arterial disease. Best practice assessment for lower limbs with lymphedema.
Abstract: This article addresses the best practices for assessing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in individuals with lower limb lymphedema, emphasizing the critical role of accurate vascular assessment to inform treatment choices. Beaumier discusses the implications of PAD on compression therapy, which is essential for lymphedema management but potentially contraindicated in PAD cases. The article outlines non-invasive methods for evaluating arterial flow, including the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), toe pressure measurements, and waveform analysis, and provides guidelines on selecting appropriate compression levels based on arterial health. By following these best practices, healthcare providers can enhance treatment outcomes and prevent complications associated with misapplication of compression therapy in PAD-affected limbs.
How to cite: Beaumier M. Peripheral arterial disease. Best practice assessment for lower limbs with lymphedema. Pathways. 2024;13(4): 10-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70472/AQAM8764
This article was published in Pathways, the quarterly print and online publication of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework. The most recent 8 issues of Pathways are available to subscribers only. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT THIS LINK TO READ.
