ABSTRACT
By careful experimental studies a calibrated impedance plethysmograph has been shown to be highly accurate (standard error = 3.8%). Its ability to measure the rate of pulsatile volume change has been extremely useful in the diagnosis of arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities. By helping in the objective definition and documentation of arterial perfusion, this instrument can greatly improve our selectivity of patients for angiography and subsequent revascularization.
Subject(s)
Arterial Occlusive Diseases/diagnosis , Leg/blood supply , Plethysmography, Impedance , Blood Volume Determination/methods , Humans , Intermittent Claudication/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Plethysmography, Impedance/instrumentationABSTRACT
Careful use of the data from the vascular laboratory has resulted in better patient and operation selectivity in peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities. Using the combination of segmental pressure measured with an ultrasonic Doppler and flow as approximated by the measurement of the rate of pulsatile volume change with a calibrated plethysmograph, objective criteria were established for arterial insufficiency. Using a two cuff technique, resistance indices were established to distinguish femoropopliteal from aortoiliac disease. The ratio of angiograms to femoropopliteal and aortoiliac operations has been reduced from an earlier value of almost 3/1 to the present value of approximately 1/1.
