Abstract 17377: Quantification of Arterial Stenosis Severity Based on the Changes in the Perfusion Wave Dynamics; a Novel Technology for Monitoring Peripheral Artery Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Current screening modalities for peripheral artery disease (PAD) lack sensitivity especially in the elderly and diabetics, and there is an unmet need for early detection of restenosis after revascularization. Hypothesis: We have hypothesized that arterial stenosis is associated with adaptive arteriolar vasodilatation, which alters the downstream perfusion dynamics and prolongs the initial phase of the perfusion upstroke. These changes can be utilized for quantification of the arterial stenosis severity. Methods: We measured the lower leg perfusion with impedance plethysmography and compared it with other modalities used in the clinic and the gold-standard angiography. The various phases of the perfusion wave were identified by analyzing the first and second derivatives of the plethysmography. The signals were acquired from PAD patients before and after they underwent revascularization, to validate the ability to detect stenosis and successful revascularization. Results: Eighteen consenting patients were recruited (61±10 years old) and nineteen legs were treated. The perfusion upstroke encompasses 2 or 3 distinctive phases. An initial slow phase that is followed by a brisk upstroke and a final sallower augmentation in some patients. The slow phase duration (SPd) was 113±45 ms in extremities with above-knee (AK) arterial stenosis (n=17) while significantly shorter SPd of 26±0 ms was observed in limbs without AK stenoses (P = 0.011). In the AK extremities, the SPd significantly decreased to 52±40 ms after successful revascularization (P<0.01). Moreover, in AK cases with a satisfactory post-operative result (Duplex assessment), the SPd dramatically decreased from 103±35 ms before revascularization to 35±18 ms afterward (P<0.01, n=12). Conclusions: Analysis of the perfusion dynamic provides a gamut of precious indices. The SPd is a novel index that can detect and quantify the severity of arterial stenosis. The technology can significantly improve the surveillance of PAD patients and may be used for early detection of restenosis.