Peripheral Studies

A carotid Doppler is an imaging test that uses ultrasound to examine the carotid arteries located in the neck. This test can show narrowing or possible blockages due to plaque buildup in the arteries due to coronary artery disease.

An ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a simple way for your doctor to check how well your blood is flowing. This test is used to check for peripheral artery disease, or PAD. This means you have blockages in the arteries of your arms and legs. This slows down your blood flow, and your limbs don’t get as much of the oxygen they need.

The test compares the blood pressure at your ankle with the blood pressure at your arm. The results can help you decide whether you need to make changes to your lifestyle or take medicine.

In an ABI with Segmental Study, the cuffs are inflated, and blood pressure is measured in the brachial artery on both sides. (The higher of the two pressures is used to calculate your ABI.)

To examine segmental pressures in the legs, cuffs are then placed at various points – typically at the thigh, calf, ankle, foot, and toe level.

This is a test used to evaluate arterial blood flow in the arms or legs and detect blockages, trauma, or other circulation problems. It can aid in the diagnosis of PAD, determine the location and extent of any arterial blockages, and (with the treadmill test) determine the severity of functional impairment due to PAD.

This test can also be used to monitor the progression of known PAD and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments such as arterial bypass grafts in the legs.