SVU 2025 Annual Conference D.E. Strandness Scientific Session-SVU 2025 Annual Conference D.E. Strandness Scientific Session

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This session honors Dr. Donald Eugene Strandness, a pioneer in vascular ultrasound whose work laid the foundation for the modern vascular laboratory through innovative non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Dr. Gene Zierler, a protege of Dr. Strandness, recounted the evolution of vascular diagnostics, from early mercury strain gauges measuring limb volume changes to Doppler ultrasound advancements leading to duplex scanning and modern color Doppler technologies. The session traced the technological and clinical milestones shaping current vascular imaging practices.<br /><br />Dr. Douglas Worcester addressed the need for standardized definitions of iliac artery aneurysms, highlighting discrepancies in normal arterial diameter values and aneurysm thresholds across literature and practice. Based on their study of North American patients, they recommend defining a common iliac artery aneurysm as a diameter ≥1.5 cm to improve consistency in diagnosis and reporting.<br /><br />Elizabeth Worcester presented a dual-center review exploring the correlation between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and carotid artery disease. Their findings showed that lower ABI values strongly associate with carotid stenosis presence and severity, reinforcing ABI as an effective, non-invasive vascular disease screening tool.<br /><br />Dr. Krueger discussed predicting carotid artery disease progression using hemodynamic parameters measured via ultrasound, such as peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities and pulsatility indices, suggesting these metrics may help identify patients at higher risk of progression and optimize screening strategies.<br /><br />Finally, Anita Harrington shared a quality improvement initiative addressing a surprising 10.4% rate of endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) after venous ablation. By critically evaluating procedural variables including catheter tip distance measurements, patient positioning, and flushing protocols, her team reduced EHIT rates to 0.5%, underscoring the value of meticulous technique and continuous quality assurance.<br /><br />The session highlighted historical context, clinical research, technological advancements, and quality improvement efforts central to advancing evidence-based vascular ultrasound practice.

Keywords

Dr. Donald Eugene Strandness

vascular ultrasound

non-invasive diagnostics

iliac artery aneurysm

arterial diameter thresholds

ankle-brachial index (ABI)

carotid artery disease

hemodynamic parameters

endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT)

venous ablation

quality improvement