Pulse oximetry vascular assessment in patients with leg ulcers

Arterial screening of the lower limbs is recommended before compression therapy is initiated in patients with ulceration or dermatitis. Hand-held Doppler ABPI is the accepted assessment tool but has limitations. Pulse oximeters have potential as alternative screening instruments with some advantages over Doppler. This article reviews the mode of action, application and limitations of pulse oximeters. A pulse oximetry toe/finger arterial screening index, which may be used as an alternative to Doppler ABPI, is described. Case studies are reported in which arterial blood flow which was easily detected by pulse oximetry could not be detected by Doppler.