A comparison between a new automatic system and Doppler method for obtaining ankle brachial pressures

Abstract

The Objective was to develop and validate a quicker and more reliable method of assessing for peripheral arterial disease within the primary care setting.

Assessing Automatic Plethysmographic Ankle-Brachial Index Devices in Peripheral Artery Disease Detection: A Comparative Study with Doppler Ankle-Brachial Index Measurements

“…The available studies that assess its reliability vary in their clinical applicability assessment, with estimates of sensitivity at the standard cut-off for diagnosis ranging from 20% to 79% [ 18 , 21 ]. However, some of the authors analyzing the plethysmographic devices point to their potential applicability as a screening test in non-specialized settings, especially after adjustments of the cut-off point [ 18 , 19 , 22 ].…”

A service pathway for patients at risk of peripheral arterial disease

“…Results are automatically calculated, interpreted and displayed with pulse volume waveforms on the LCD panel (Huntleigh, 2011). A randomised crossover study (Lewis et al, 2011) has been conducted to determine the accuracy and agreement between conventional Dopplerbased ABPI measurements and Dopplex Ability.…”

“…This gives the Dopplex Ability unit the potential to be used as a cost effective screening tool for PAD in primary care settings. (Lewis et al, 2011) Implications for practice Despite decades of research in developing guidelines for early PAD detection many thousands of patients lose their lives as a result of cardiovascular complications (Belch et al, 2007, Tierney et al, 2000. Either through lack of training or staffing problems, essential ABPI tests aiming to identify patients with PAD are not being carried out (French, 2005) A Doppler ultrasound test can be unreliable if done by an untrained professional (French, 2005).…”

“…A reduction in numbers of competent trained nurses who are prepared to do a full Doppler ultrasound ABPI test would not affect the number of trained HCAs able to perform ABPI test with the use of Huntleigh Dopplex Ability device. It has been demonstrated (Lewis et al, 2011) that the ABPI can be a simple and reliable test which can be carried out by a trained HCA. The HCA would be in a position to "only" conduct the test.…”

“…The Dopplex Ability device is very simple to use with minimal training required (Huntleigh, 2011) and the ABPI test outcomes are consistent and reliable (Lewis et al, 2011). The testing device produces a printout, which can be passed on to the trained nurse who would make the clinical judgment on further action.…”