Peripheral vascular disease: treatment and referral of the elderly. Part II.

The noninvasive methods of examining the extracranial cerebrovascular system are undergoing many changes, with innovations occurring frequently. The reliability of the different testing methods varies, but is generally reported to be in the range of 80 to 95%. One of the most important aspects in caring for patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease, whether they are being monitored for disease progression or have already undergone a vascular reconstructive procedure, is lifelong follow-up.