Pneumatic Technology Helps Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease

A new ankle brachial index (ABI) screening device reduces the time it takes to perform ABI measurements by up to 75%.

The Dopplex Ability is a one-button push medical device that allows clinicians to perform a quick three-minute test of systolic blood pressure using a unique two-chamber cuff system. Proprietary Duosense pneumatic technology using volume plethysmography to measure systolic pressures; the proximal chamber is used to occlude the vessel, while the second (distal) chamber is used to sense the returning signals, allowing the four limbs to be measured simultaneously.


The system automatically inflates the chamber cuffs placed on each limb simultaneously, negating the need for patients to be rested. It then records the returning systolic pressures, automatically deflates the cuffs, and then automatically calculates the ABI result. Recent studies have shown that the Dopplex Ability has good agreement with the traditional rested Doppler measurements, even with diabetic patients who can be difficult to measure. The Dopplex Ability is a product of ArjoHuntleigh (Addison, IL, USA). 

“We are extremely excited to continue our history of innovation in the area of ABI vascular assessments,” said Brian Straeb, vice president of marketing at ArjoHuntleigh. “The Dopplex Ability will help caregivers reduce the amount of time they need to conduct ABI testing, enabling them to spend significantly more time providing patient care.”

ABI measurements are used to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which results when the peripheral arteries become too narrow or obstructed due to plaque, limiting blood flow. If left untreated, PAD can cause pain or aching in the legs, difficulty with walking, resting pain in the foot at night in bed, nonhealing sores or infections in the toes or feet, and can ultimately lead to limb loss in its most severe form. In can also be associated with other serious arterial conditions leading to heart attacks and stroke.

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