Noninvasive Techniques in the Evaluation of Arterial Disease

Authors

J. Dennis Baker

Abstract

This paper reviews noninvasive technology currently being applied in clinical peripheral vascular laboratories for the evaluation of obstructive arterial disease in the lower extremities and in the cerebral circulation. Lower extremity, arterial insufficiency can be assessed by pressures measured with a Doppler flowmeter or by oscillometric tracings obtained with a Pulse Volume Recorder. Carotid artery stenosis is studied by: 1) ocular pneumoplethysmography, which indirectly measures ophthalmic artery pressure; 2) oculoplethysmography, which compares pulse arrival time at the two eyes; and 3) the Doppler ophthalmic test, which detects the flow pattern in the ophthalmic artery. The main uses of the tests are to evaluate asymptomatic carotid murmurs, to screen high risk groups, and to aid postoperative follow-up.

Recommended Citation

Baker, J. Dennis (1978) "Noninvasive Techniques in the Evaluation of Arterial Disease," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 26 : No. 2 , 5-12.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol26/iss2/2