Diagnosing Pad

Diagnosing Pad

The ABI-Q System uses pulse volume recording (PVR) technology. PVR is a well established non-invasive technique for determination of the presence or absence of arterial occlusive disease. Blood volume in the legs increases with each pulse and this can be recorded with a sensitive pressure sensor and displayed as a waveform very similar to the pressure pulse.

PVR waveforms provide a profile of global limb perfusion, including the effect of collateralization (unlike Doppler or PPG waveforms that provide a profile of specific artery flow).

Normal PVR waveforms have a sharp upslope and a prominent reflected wave (also called the dicrotic notch). If these are present, the VPR is considered normal; if not, it is abnormal.

PVR is easy to perform and the only skill required is the ability to wrap the cuffs snugly¹. The cuffs can be wrapped over light pants or stockings and the procedure can be done with the patient in the sitting position.

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) is used to measure the change in pressure in the cuff caused by the small changes in volume that occur with each pulse. The analysis of the waveform is based on the shape of the waveform rather than the amplitude. PVRs are not affected by calcified arterial walls and are relatively easy to perform.

Interpretation of PVR waveforms

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) is used to measure the change in pressure in the cuff caused by the small changes in volume that occur with each pulse. The analysis of the waveform is based on the shape of the waveform rather than the amplitude. PVRs are not affected by calcified arterial walls and are relatively easy to perform.

Normal: Here is a good waveform with a rapid rise and a prominent reflected wave

Moderately Abnormal: Waveform starts to broaden and no reflected wave. (The first pulse may be an artifact but also may be an arrhythmia.)

Diagnosing Pad

PVR waveforms provide a profile of global limb perfusion, including the effect of collateralization (unlike Doppler or PPG waveforms that provide a profile of specific artery flow).

Normal PVR waveforms have a sharp upslope and a prominent reflected wave (also called the dicrotic notch). If these are present, the VPR is considered normal; if not, it is abnormal.

PVR is easy to perform and the only skill required is the ability to wrap the cuffs snugly¹. The cuffs can be wrapped over light pants or stockings and the procedure can be done with the patient in the sitting position.

Interpretation of PVR waveforms

Determining site of occlusion with PVR waveforms² A normal waveform at a site indicates that there is not likely any occlusive disease above the cuff.

Abnormal at thigh: Probably aorto-iliac disease

Normal thigh but abnormal calf (below knee): Occlusive disease in superficial femoral and/or popliteal segments.

Normal thigh and calf with abnormal ankle: Suggests tibial disease

1,2. Diagle, Robert J., Techniques in Noninvasive Vascular Diagnosis, Summer Publishing, www.summerpublishing.com

Diagnosing Pad

PVR waveforms provide a profile of global limb perfusion, including the effect of collateralization (unlike Doppler or PPG waveforms that provide a profile of specific artery flow).

Normal PVR waveforms have a sharp upslope and a prominent reflected wave (also called the dicrotic notch). If these are present, the VPR is considered normal; if not, it is abnormal.

PVR is easy to perform and the only skill required is the ability to wrap the cuffs snugly1. The cuffs can be wrapped over light pants or stockings and the procedure can be done with the patient in the sitting position.

Interpretation of PVR waveforms

Determining site of occlusion with PVR waveforms2 A normal waveform at a site indicates that there is not likely any occlusive disease above the cuff.

Abnormal at thigh: Probably aorto-iliac disease

Normal thigh but abnormal calf (below knee): Occlusive disease in superficial femoral and/or popliteal segments.

Normal thigh and calf with abnormal ankle: Suggests tibial disease

1,2. Diagle, Robert J., Techniques in Noninvasive Vascular Diagnosis, Summer Publishing, www.summerpublishing.com

PVR is easy to perform and the only skill required is the ability to wrap the cuffs snugly¹. The cuffs can be wrapped over light pants or stockings and the procedure can be done with the patient in the sitting position.

Determining site of occlusion with PVR waveforms² A normal waveform at a site indicates that there is not likely any occlusive disease above the cuff.