Stress testing in the evaluation of upper-extremity perfusion.

Stress testing is an important element in the evaluation of upper extremity vascular perfusion. Advances in noninvasive testing provide mechanisms to evaluate the static structural characteristics of the arterial system, to define patient and nonpatient vessels to identify areas of thrombosis or occlusion, to evaluate arterial wall motility and elasticity, and to observe the nutritional capillary bed. To understand upper-extremity vascular function, however, some form of stress testing is crucial. The techniques discussed previously continue to evolve and serve only as examples of the potential of noninvasive tests evaluated before, during, and after stress. Stress testing provides techniques that allow us to understand the functional components of vascular perfusion and to monitor our attempts at interventions.