RPVI study plan

Define the physical principles of Doppler (continuous vs pulsed wave, spectral broadening, aliasing) and state how each setting (PRF, gain, wall filter, angle correction) alters the displayed waveform

Explain the difference between velocity and volume flow and identify when each is measured in peripheral arterial studies

List the elements of a complete lower-extremity arterial exam (segmental pressures, waveforms, ABI, Doppler velocity criteria) and describe what each element detects

Practice recognizing normal triphasic, biphasic, and monophasic waveforms from written descriptions and state the hemodynamic meaning of each

Calculate ABI, toe-brachial index, and segmental pressure gradients from numeric datasets and classify results against published categories

Interpret exercise and reactive hyperemia testing results and explain the physiologic rationale for each

Distinguish hemodynamically significant stenosis from occlusion using velocity criteria and post-stenotic waveform changes

Explain pitfalls in ABI measurement (calcified vessels, cuff size, improper technique) and predict the direction of error each produces

Describe the anatomy of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries and correlate each segment with its typical waveform

Differentiate the spectral and velocity findings of <50%, 50-69%, and 70-99% internal carotid stenosis and near-occlusion

Interpret vertebral artery waveforms and explain subclavian steal physiology from waveform and pressure data

Explain the technical factors (angle, sample volume, depth, probe selection) that most affect carotid velocity accuracy

Explain the anatomy of the deep and superficial venous systems and the physiology of venous return and valve competence

Interpret normal and abnormal venous waveforms (spontaneous, phasic, augmented, continuous) and identify the cause of each abnormality

Apply reflux criteria from numeric reflux-time data and distinguish superficial from deep reflux

Describe the protocol for suspected deep vein thrombosis and the diagnostic limitations of compression ultrasound in the calf and duplicated veins

Describe the anatomy and normal waveform characteristics of the aorta, renal, hepatic, splenic, and mesenteric arteries

Apply velocity criteria to identify renal artery stenosis and interpret the tardus-parvus downstream waveform

Interpret portal venous waveforms and explain the hemodynamic meaning of flow direction and phasicity

Differentiate median arcuate ligament compression from atherosclerotic mesenteric stenosis using waveform and positional findings

Explain the role of ultrasound in evaluating aortic aneurysm and endoleak surveillance

Integrate multi-domain findings into a single differential when cerebrovascular and visceral data are presented together

Re-derive from memory the key numeric thresholds for carotid, renal, and mesenteric stenosis

Identify and correct the three most common interpretive errors in each of domains 2 and 5

Explain how systemic conditions (cardiac output, aortic valve disease, anemia) alter waveforms across vascular beds

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and record per-domain accuracy

Rank remaining weak areas by weighted point impact and build a prioritized review list

Re-teach each weak concept aloud or in writing without reference materials

Drill waveform and velocity interpretation until response time per item drops below one minute

Review the ranked remediation list and close every remaining gap

Rehearse a standardized interpretation framework (quality, anatomy, waveform, velocity, conclusion) applied to mixed cases

Complete a final timed mixed-domain exam and compare accuracy to week 7

Consolidate a single one-page summary sheet covering all five domains for final review