Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: what are normal arterial velocity changes?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Investigating the normal variation in subclavian artery velocity. Does body position, muscle mass or muscle strength influence change?
IRAS ID
100261
Contact name
Ursula Kirkpatrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glyndwr University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 8 days
Research summary
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is used as a diagnostic term when people have arm symptoms that are attributed to compression of the artery supplying the arm (subclavian artery) at the level of the thoracic outlet. There is no single diagnostic test for arterial TOS. Many people may compress their subclavian artery on different shoulder movements but there is no risk to the limb unless the artery is damaged; however we do not know the range of velocity changes/occlusion in the normal population. There is a need for a quantitative investigation to determine the normal velocity changes within the subclavian arteries related to movement and positional change in healthy participants.
Relevant literature has identified that most symptomatic patients are aged between 20-50 years (Sanders et al 2007 and 2008; Roos 1987) at a ratio of 4:1 female to male (Davidovic et al 2003 and 2009). This information will be reflected within the sample group for this pilot study that consists of 52 healthy individuals who will be selected from a variety of settings. The main outcome will be to measure subclavian artery velocity changes in different positions; secondly to show if increased muscle mass has any effect.
All investigations will take place in a vascular lab with in a hospital setting where changes in velocity will be measured via duplex scanning. All participant involvement and data analysis will be completed within a 6 month period.
The data collated will be analysed using the chi-square test, identifying if there is a link between arm position and velocity and/or muscle mass and velocity.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
15/WA/0082
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion