ABPI Flashcards
Why perform ABPI?
If disease is present in lower limb pressure distally will decrease
Equipment needed
Sphygmomanometer
Ultrasound gel
Hand held Doppler device
Cuff placement
Brachial artery
Anterior tibial artery
Or
Posterior tibial artery
And
Dorsalis pedis (in foot)
How to perform ABPI
Rest pt for 10 mins
Measure systolic BP bilaterally in PTA and ATA or DPA
Measure systolic BP bilaterally in brachial artery
Calculate ratio for each using ABPI calculation
ABPI CALC
Highest ankle pressure/highest brachial pressure
Performing exercise ABPI
Conduct resting ABPI
Follow standard exercise protocol
Repeat ABPI in highest of the two peripheral arteries bilaterally and highest of two brachial arteries
Calc ratio
Compare results to determine if there is a significant drop in pressure
Normal ABPI will increase or stay the same post exercise
What is significant drop in exercise ABPI
.15 compared to rest
Normal limits for ABPI?
> 1.4 incompressible
0.9 - 1.39 normal
0.8 - 0.89 mild
0.5 - 0.79 Significant
0.3 - 0.49 Severe
<0.3 critical
Limitation of ABPI
Patient tolerance to cuff
Ulcer
Calcification
Inability to exercise
Does not locate disease
Why use toe pressure test?
Indicates blood flows of peripheries
Alternative to ABPI for example diabetics with calcification
Likelihood of toe healing or amputation
Indication of microvascular disease
Which toes can you do toe pressure test?
First or second toe
Position for toe pressure test
Supine with 10 mins rest
Limitations of toe pressure tests
Ulcers
Patient moving
Bandaging
Amputation
Shape and size of toe
Toe pressure grading?
> 60 no sig arterial disease
<60 arterial disease indicated
<30 severe arterial disease indicated
