Summit Doppler Systems, manufacturer of ultrasound Doppler products, introduced this week an upgrade to the Vista AVS, a full-featured arterial physiologic exam system. The new Vista AVS has advanced features, one of which allows clinicians to perform the ankle brachial index (ABI) exam for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the seated position, the patent-pending Seated ABI.
The ABI exam, which compares systolic blood pressures obtained at the ankles and arms, was traditionally performed with the patient in the supine position to prevent error from hydrostatic pressure. This position requirement made the exam difficult for patients with disabilities or mobility impairments. Recent studies have shown these patients have reduced access to many diagnostic exams. The new Vista AVS calculates ABI values for seated patients by compensating for the effects of gravity on the lower extremity pressures. Now, for the first time, patients who are immobile or unable to lay supine can be seated for ABI measurement.
"Our vision is to significantly broaden the availability of the ABI exam without compromising accuracy," said Dave Jones, Vice President of Engineering for Summit Doppler. "With the Seated ABI, we are making the ABI exam readily available to millions of people who have mobility issues or medical conditions that prohibit testing in the supine position. The Seated ABI is the first of a series of steps we're making toward delivery of a faster and more affordable ABI exam."
Along with the ability to perform the Seated ABI using hydrostatic pressure correction, the new Vista AVS allows clinicians to customize segmental studies by selecting the number and location of arterial sites. While the ABI exam is performed as the initial test to diagnose PAD, segmental studies are performed on patients with PAD to localize the occlusion in the lower limbs.
