Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) assessment using KODYS Vascular Dopplers

 

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a form of arterial disease appearing outside of the brain and heart. In patients suffering from PAD, the arteries carrying oxygenated blood in the body tend to get narrowed or blocked. The narrowing or blocking of arteries stems from plaque or atherosclerosis. 

Generally, PAD impacts the arteries in the legs. However, it can also extend to affect the arteries carrying blood to the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, the head, and arms. 

While a majority of patients with PAD have minor or no symptoms, some experience pain in the leg or foot, ulcers or nonhealing wounds, claudication, gangrene, loss of limb, and infection. In very few cases, patients experience a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events, poorer quality of life, and depression. 

The risk factors for the disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It has been observed that patients with PAD are mostly above 50 years of age. 

Diagnosing PAD with KODYS Vascular Dopplers

Noninvasive physiologic vascular studies are critical for the diagnosis and characterization of PAD of the lower extremity. The purpose of these studies is to analyze the physiologic parameters of blood flow through pulse volume recordings, Doppler waveforms, and segmental arterial pressures. The vascular ultrasound exam uses sound waves to create pictures of the arteries, locate the site of the disease, and provide prognostic data. 

KODYS Vascular dopplers use Bidirectional high-frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flowing through your veins and arteries. It is highly sensitive enough .e., even if there is a minimum blood flow it captures accurately preventing the risk of foot amputation. Generally, the arteries evaluated are the ones in your legs and arms. The purpose of the vascular flow study, also referred to as blood flow study is to identify the abnormal flow of blood within an artery or vein. 

The technology of the doppler has been taken up by many medical speciality practitioners, such as primary care providers, surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists. 

 

Venous Reflux Study using the Automatic Vascular Doppler

 Reflux or venous insufficiency is the primary problem for the most superficial venous disease. Healthy veins support a continuous one-way flow of blood from the limbs back to the heart. Leg veins comprise valves that prevent the backflow of blood. In case of faulty valves, owing to several risk factors, a person suffers from venous reflux.

Refluxing valves make blood flow back down the leg. As a result, veins tend to become swollen, enlarged and twisted as blood pools or flows in the wrong direction. This condition is common among patients and is known as varicose veins.

A healthcare professional can identify the problematic valves using an Automatic Vascular Doppler with simple one-button operation. The device can be used to assess the valvular competency of the Vein. The study is completely safe and does not require injecting medicine or radiation into the body. The sonographer requests the patient to take particular positions and movements to examine the legs and measure the blood flow. 

How to use the Automatic Vascular Doppler for Venous Reflux Study?

The Photoplethysmography (PPG) Probe of the Doppler is placed in the Right/Left Great Saphenous vein at about four or five fingers distance above the ankle bone. The patient has to perform the tiptoe reflux for five times as we observe the venous refilling pattern.

The results of the test are evaluated as follows:

• If the refilling or recovery time is more than 20 seconds, it indicates good valvular competency of the vein to push the blood upwards.
• If the refilling or recovery time is between 18-20 seconds, it is questionable and a repeat test is conducted.
• If the refilling or recovery time is less than 18 seconds, there is a venous condition and may require Physician intervention.

A Vascular Doppler uses ultrasound waves to visualize the pattern of blood flow in your veins and arteries. Depending on the results of the vascular doppler, you can discuss your venous anatomy with a physician and understand treatment options in more detail.