|
|
|
|
NEUROVASCULAR DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT For the diagnosis of:
Features
Tests Performed
Overview of the C.E. Vascular Machine About the Pneumoplethysmograph The C.E. Vascular Machine is a Pneumoplethysmograph. A pneumoplethysmograph is an instrument which evaluates small amounts of air pressure changes. In the C.E. Vascular Machine, the minute changes in air pressure that occur in a sensing cuff are amplified and filtered to make it possible to measure arterial blood flow. In most cases a cuff is wrapped around a segment, such as a digit (finger) or leg. The cuff is inflated to a pressure that compresses the tissue below it enough to sense the arterial pulses. The pressure most widely used varies from 40mm to 60mm of mercury. The pressure must remain constant in the cuff. Artifacts in the recording are usually caused by leaky cuffs or patient movement. The Arterial waveforin that this machines records is most commonly called a PVR or Pulse Volume Recording. A PVR is a recording of the pulse due to the volume changes caused by pulsatile arterial blood flow. The increase of blood flow is indicated by an rising movement of the recorder stylus (up on the paper or to the left). T'he C.E. Vascular Machine is sensitive enough to be used on digits and on the penis. These locations require high sensitivity due to small amounts of blood flow and the size of the sensing cuff. The manual describes how to use the C. E. Vascular Machine to evaluate arterial pulse waveforins, digital and limb segmental waveforms, segmental systolic pressure, thoracic outlet positional studies, and penile studies.
Narrative Digital Pneumatic Plethysmography (DPP) is a cost effective, easy to use, non-invasive test requiring minimum training and maintenance. DPP can be rapidly taught to medical and nonmedical staff. Using pneumatic (air) plethysmography and advanced electronic engineering, DPP consistently provides a qualitative assesment of blood flow. The interpretation of the tracings is not difficult as the following graphics demonstrate. Extensive background literature is available.
Representative Tracings Following are two series of representative tracings. The first series clearly shows the difference between normal and abnormal distal digit waveforms. The second series exhibits the same difference when positional dynamics are employed.
Distal Digits Waveforms
Positional Studies
|
