On 20 April 2024, the Italian Society of Angiology and Vascular Pathology issued a statement entitled “The measurement of blood pressure in the lower extremities. A simple method for the diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease”. It highlights the importance of ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Toe Pressure (TP) and Toe-Brachial Index (TBI) measurement, especially in primary care, as this could lead to faster Peripheral Arterial Disease diagnosis and treatment. For this purpose, “an ideal system could be one in which both measurements are possible and can be quickly performed”. [1] This shows the relevance of solutions like the MESI mTABLET system, which enables fast and comprehensive arterial assessment with automated ABI, TBI as well as pulse wave velocity on one handy device. With simple application in primary care, the MESI mTABLET system could greatly contribute to timely diagnosis of this dangerous disease, saving lives and preserving the quality of life of the patients affected.
In this blog you will learn:
The Italian Society of Angiology and Vascular Pathology (Società Italiana di Angiologia e Patologia Vascolare, SIAPAV) was founded in 1978 with vascular medicine as its focus. The organisation follows scientific and educational aims. On the one hand, it promotes the scientific study of the epidemiological, diagnostic, epidemiological, clinical, rehabilitative, therapeutic and prophylactic aspects of vascular conditions. On the other, it furthers continuing medical education (CME) for all categories of healthcare professionals, in the form of conferences and other types of educational events, both live and online. [2]
On 20 April 2024, the SIAPAV issued a statement entitled “The measurement of blood pressure in the lower extremities. A simple method for the diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease”. It stresses the dangers of Peripheral Arterial Disease and the importance of its early discovery, recommending exams of risk groups at primary care level.
The SIAPAV statement defines Peripheral Arterial Disease as a condition caused by partial or complete stenosis of limb arteries. In the legs, it can cause walking difficulties (pain – intermittent claudication), but more severe consequences include ulcers and gangrene. In the case of critical ischemia, there is a risk of limb amputation.
However, Peripheral Arterial Disease is more than a limb pathology; it is regarded as a systemic pathology. Atherosclerosis, the condition that causes the formation of occlusions in the arteries of the (lower) limbs, affects the arteries of all areas of the body. Therefore, early diagnosis of PAD can also prevent death due to stroke or heart attack.
The statement defines ABI and TP (toe pressure, TBI is calculated on its basis) as simple methodologies not only for the evaluation of the level of ischemia in lower limbs, but also as an index of cardiovascular risk.
The statement recommends ABI, TP and TBI measurement in the following cases:
According to some SIAPAV surveys, ABI, TP and TBI are measured only in 50% of the patients with suspected PAD. This is due to several factors:
These problems can be overcome by recent technological progress. The SIAPAV statement defines the ideal system: one with which both ABI and TBI could be measured in a fast and effective manner.
The ideal criteria for this system would be to:
In this way, the following improvements could be achieved:
The MESI mTABLET diagnostic system enables comprehensive arterial assessment in two simple steps:
STEP 1: Wireless, automated Ankle-Brachial Index measurement in 1 minute,
STEP 2 (if needed): automated Toe-Brachial Index extension for immediate further PAD assessment in 1 minute.
You can also add Pulse Wave Velocity for advanced (arterial age) assessment. Perform it as a quick, 2-in-1 measurement of arterial stiffness and the Ankle-Brachial Index together!
ABI and TBI measurement reports are automatically synched with the built-in electronic medical record. This gives you access to the full history of the previous measurements and the patient’s trend analysis in the form of graphs. The measurement can also be immediately shared with the GP or a specialist for a second opinion, contributing to a faster diagnosis. The MESI mTABLET provides comprehensive arterial assessment with the Ankle-Brachial Index, Toe-Brachial Index and Pulse Wave Velocity in minutes!