![]() The DPA also serves as a potential distal target for peripheral bypass surgery, used for limb salvage purposes in patients with ischemic foot complications. The DPA is a significant landmark in palpating the pedal pulse on physical exam and involves reconstructive surgeries of the foot. Several reports have described the origin of the dorsalis pedis artery from the peroneal (fibular) artery and not a continuation of the anterior tibial artery. The embryological development of the DPA is a complex process, and anatomical variations are not uncommon. ![]() It ultimately becomes the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) as it crosses over the ankle joint. The anterior tibial artery is most commonly the first branch and courses through the interosseous membrane, continuing down the anterior compartment of the leg and running along with the deep peroneal nerve. The tibioperoneal trunk then branches into the posterior tibial artery, and peroneal artery. The popliteal artery travels through the popliteal fossa on the posterior aspect of the knee joint, before ending in two main branches: the anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk (tibial artery). This allows them to identify a potential reduction of blood flow to the foot at an earlier stage than occlusion, therefore prompting earlier medical attention in the aim to prevent major complications.The main arterial supply to the leg and foot is the femoral artery which passes through the adductor hiatus in the thigh to become the popliteal artery. Nurses have been trained to recognise differences in healthy and abnormal Doppler signals. Discussion:Īlthough most nurses were confident in their Doppler technique prior to training, on reflection recognised they were unaware of the correct location of the pedal arteries and unaware of the importance of probe angle positioning. The training is ongoing with the remaining 8 nurses scheduled to have training in the coming weeks. Outcomes:īetween March and July 2018, 17 nurses received one-to-one training and are currently completing their competency logs. To achieve a certificate of competency, a satisfactory technique and thorough understanding of the test without assistance was demonstrated. Nursing staff were provided with a competency log to document their learning. An explanation and demonstration of technique was provided by the Scientist allowing one-to-one training sessions. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |