Importance of accurate identification of arterial perfusion using different physiological tests

Abstract

Background: Although diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in patients with peripheral arterial disease are guided primarily by the history and physical examination, the use of non-invasive investigations has increased significantly in recent years, mainly as a result of technological advances in ultrasonography. Ultrasonic hand held doppler velocimeters are widely utilized by healthcare professionals for the assessment of lower limb arterial perfusion. However, a clinical assessment tool is only of value if the interpretation of the results is correct and repeatability has been clinically established. Ankle Brachial Pressure Index, TBIs, toe pressures and spectral waveforms at the ankle are all used to assess arterial perfusion especially in high risk populations. Design: Single centre prospective non-experimental study design. [Excerpt]