Limb volume measurements in peripheral arterial disease

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) management requires accurate limb volume assessment.
• Current methods may be unsuitable for patients with leg ulcers or gangrene.
• Limb blood flow measurement is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring PAD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simple method for measuring limb volumes in PAD patients.
• To present a geometrical model for volume calculation when water immersion is not feasible.
• To validate the accuracy of the developed methods.

Main Methods:

• A water-based plethysmograph utilizing changes in water level to determine limb volume.
• Development of a geometrical model for indirect volume calculation using six external measurements.
• Comparison of measured volumes with the geometrical model in 46 PAD patients.

Main Results:

• The plethysmograph is stable and accurate across a wide range of limb volumes.
• The geometrical model demonstrated high accuracy, with a mean error of 3.3% compared to direct measurements.
• The model provides a convenient alternative for patients unable to undergo water immersion.

Conclusions:

• A simple and accurate plethysmographic method for limb volume measurement in PAD is presented.
• A validated geometrical model offers a practical solution for volume assessment in specific patient populations.
• These methods enhance the ability to measure limb volumes in PAD patients, aiding clinical management.