Comparing Pocket Doppler and Vascular Lab Equipment for ABI Measurement
Author Information
Author(s): Nicolaï Saskia PA, Kruidenier Lotte M, Rouwet Ellen V, Wetzels-Gulpers Liliane, Rozeman Constantijn AM, Prins Martin H, Teijink Joep AW
Primary Institution: Atrium medical center
Hypothesis
Is the ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement using a pocket Doppler device comparable to that using automatic vascular laboratory equipment in patients suspected of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
Conclusion
ABI measurements with pocket Doppler and vascular laboratory equipment yield comparable results and can replace each other.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean ABI was 0.80 with the pocket Doppler and 0.85 with vascular laboratory equipment.
- A Bland-Altman plot demonstrated great correspondence between the two methods.
- The mean difference between the two methods was 0.05, which was statistically significant.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a small pocket device to check blood flow in the legs just as well as a big machine in a hospital, which makes it easier to find problems with blood flow.
Methodology
ABI was measured using both a pocket Doppler and automatic vascular laboratory equipment on the same day in patients suspected of PAD.
Potential Biases
The accuracy of ABI measurements may be influenced by the operator's experience and the method of measurement.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific patient population and may not generalize to all patients with PAD.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 65 years, with 60.6% being men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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