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Vascular Imaging » ABI, SLP & PVR
General Overview
These are a few tests that are used to see if there is any evidence of blockages in arteries in the lower extremities.
Ankle-Brachial Index Test (ABI): This test is done to see if there is any evidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Pulse Volume Recording (PVR): Also called plethysmography, this is a non-invasive test to see if there is any evidence of PAD.
Toe Brachial Index (TBI): When ABI is abnormally high or unpredictable, this test is recommended to assess arterial blood supply to the foot.
How It’s Done
During ABI, an ultrasound device, measures the blood pressure in both your arms and left ankle while your body is in rest.
The PVR examination takes approximately 45 minutes. During the test, you are asked to relax and 3 blood pressure cuffs are placed on your thigh, calf and ankle respectively which are connected to a machine known as pulse volume recorder. This allows the machine to measure the blood pressure at various points in the legs.
In TBI, photoplethysmograph (PPG) infrared light sensor and appropriate sized cuffs may be attached to every limb. Blood pressure recording gives results of the presence of Peripheral Arterial Disease.
What Methods are Used?
All these 3 tests are performed to check for peripheral arterial disease of the legs. They use Doppler – an ultrasound device to measure the blood pressure.
Any Side Effects?
ABI, PVR and TBI tests are non-invasive techniques to measure the blood pressure at different segments of the foot or ankle. Thus, they don’t involve harsh instruments. This makes them easy and risk-free tests.
Next Steps
If the tests show positive results, you will have to take necessary follow up care to prevent heart attacks, leg pain and other physical breakdowns. Depending on the severity of your blockages, the doctor will suggest to make lifestyle changes, or to undergo medications/surgery.
Contact Us
At Heart and Vascular Clinic, we offer solutions for your issues relating to peripheral arterial disease. Please contact us at (302) 338-9444 for further discussion about our services.
