Effect of Environmental Temperature on Vascular Ultrasound Vein Scan Measurements

Vascular surgeons are guided by vascular ultrasound scans when deciding treatment plans for their patients. In critical limb threatening ischaemia with infrainguinal disease, vein bypass has the best limb salvage and long term survival rates in patients who are appropriately selected. In lower limb "vein mapping", the vein is measured to assess suitability for use as a bypass conduit with the favoured bypass conduit being autologous, ipsilateral vein of good quality and length and a size of >3mm is considered a good conduit.

The research team found one study which explored the effect of room temperature on upper limb vein measurements which was conducted in Singapore. This showed an underestimation of vein size at lower temperatures. We wish to add to the literature and irish research by conducting this study at University Hospital Limerick in order to optimise conditions for vascular assessments and therefore facilitate clinical decision making.

We aim to scan and record vein measurements on the lower limbs of vascular inpatients at University Hospital Limerick who are deemed suitable by the P.I.

Patients will have the ultrasound scan completed twice. The first room will have its temperature recorded and the vein measurements taken.

The second room will be set at a higher temperature which we have defined as being 6-10 degrees greater than ambient room temperature. We will achieve this through use of a portable heater.

We will compare the two recordings to assess if there is a difference in the diameter of the vein measured in the warmer room versus the standard room.

The importance of this is to assess the impact of environmental factors on vascular ultrasound scan results, therefore impacting on patient outcomes by use of the most suitable bypass conduit.

Inclusion criteria

• Inpatient at University Hospital Limerick under the care of a Vascular Consultant
• Aged 18 years and above
• Deemed suitable for two vascular ultrasound scans by the P.I

Exclusion criteria

• Those unable to give informed consent
• Aged under 18 years
• Patients with varicose veins/venous insufficiency