Routine preoperative doppler ultrasound examination of arterial system in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is beneficial: A retrospective study.

Background: Presence of peripheral vascular disease enhances surgical risk in cardiac surgical patients. Prior knowledge of peripheral arterial disease may help the physician make changes in the monitoring and cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation plans. It is claimed that the incidence of peripheral vascular disease in cardiac surgical patients ranges from 11 to 30%.