Evaluation of graft patency utilizing the ankle-brachial pressure index and ankle pulse volume recording amplitude

To determine femoropopliteal graft patency, the ankle-brachial pulse index and the ankle pulse volume recording amplitude were measured. Fourteen healthy volunteer subjects were tested on two occasions over 24 hours (ankle-brachial pressure index 1.14+:-0.16, change 0.03+:-0.05; ankle pulse volume recording amplitude 25+:-7 mm, change 5+:-4 mm). In the second control group, hemodynamic function in the unoperated limb was studied before and after surgery in 40 patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass on the contralateral side (preoperative ankle-brachial pressure index 0.66+:-0.3, change 0.02+:-0.12; preoperative ankle pulse volume recording amplitude 8+:-7 mm, change 1+:-3 mm). After 119 patent femoropopliteal bypasses ankle-brachial pressure index and ankle pulse volume recording amplitude increased by 0.41+:-0.26 and 11+:8 mm, respectively.