The piezoelectric pulse sensor device: A prospective evaluation

Abstract

The goal of this prospective study of the piezoelectric pulse sensor device was to determine its technical applications and its ability to detect lower extremity occlusive arterial disease. Ten extremities (five volunteers) were evaluated to assess the ability to place the sensor in the correct anatomic position on a foot without a palpable pulse during cuff occlusion so that pulsatile flow would be detected following cuff deflation; its sensitivity as an end-point detector for pulsatile perfusion; and whether there is a linear qualitative pulse wave response with increasing perfusion pressures. Forty extremities (20 patients) with suspected occlusive arterial disease were studied to evaluate its capability of detecting perfusion as compared with the presence of a palpable pulse, an audible Doppler signal, and a foot volume waveform. The placement of the sensor on 10 normal limbs with temporary arterial occlusion resulted in a recordable waveform following cuff deflation in 100% of the dorsalis pedis arteries and in 10% of the posterior tibial arteries. The piezoelectric pulse sensor was as sensitive for detecting pulsatile perfusion as an audible Doppler signal and demonstrated a linear change in the waveform's amplitude and shape with incremental changes in perfusion pressure. In the 40-extremities with ankle/brachial indices ranging from 0.00 to 1.35, there was uniform agreement between pulse volume and Pulse Check waveforms. The piezoelectric pulse sensor is a sensitive method for monitoring lower extremity arterial perfusion when supplied by the dorsalis pedis artery; however, it is inadequate for the posterior tibial artery. This may be useful in monitoring revascularization procedures in the immediate postoperative period or monitoring the hemodynamic effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy.