Clinical application of electrical impedance for the study of arterial insufficiency

A four-electrode impedance plethysmography containing a dedicated computer has been developed for evaluating arterial insufficiency in the clinical noninvasive vascular laboratory. Measurements obtained by the impedance plethysmograph were compared with measurements obtained by the Doppler ultrasound technique. Five case reports demonstrate that electrical impedance measurements can feasibly be obtained in the clinical setting and that the information is useful in treating patients with arterial insufficiency. Results indicate that electrical impedance data correlate better with the clinical symptoms reported by the patient than do the Doppler systolic pressure data. The impedance plethysmography measurements are particularly useful when considered in conjunction with the Doppler measurements.