Comparison of the Use of Arterial Doppler Waveform Classifications in Clinical Routine to Describe Lower Limb Flow

Area of Science:

• Vascular Ultrasound
• Medical Imaging Analysis
• Hemodynamics

Background:

• Arterial Doppler waveform characterization presents challenges in clinical practice.
• Existing classification systems lack proven efficacy.
• Need for standardized methods to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the categorization rates of three arterial Doppler waveform classifications.
• Evaluate the clinical utility of Descotes and Cathignol, Spronk et al., and simplified Saint-Bonnet classifications.
• Identify the most effective classification for arterial Doppler analysis.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter prospective study enrolled 130 patients undergoing vascular arterial ultrasound.
• Doppler waveforms were acquired from common femoral, popliteal, and distal arteries.
• Experienced vascular specialists categorized waveforms using the three specified classifications.

Main Results:

• The simplified Saint-Bonnet classification achieved the highest categorization rate (98.2%).
• Spronk et al. and Descotes and Cathignol classifications had lower rates (91.3% and 76.8%, respectively).
• Significant differences in categorization rates were observed between the classifications (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• The simplified Saint-Bonnet classification demonstrates superior performance in categorizing arterial Doppler waveforms.
• This improved categorization rate enhances diagnostic clarity and clinical application.
• The findings support the adoption of the simplified Saint-Bonnet classification for arterial Doppler analysis.