Early-Stage Research and Design of a Diagnostic Sensor for Peripheral Vascular Disease

Abstract

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a blood circulation disorder that involves the narrowing and blocking of arteries in the lower extremities of the body. Symptoms of PVD include pain and restricted mobility, and as the disease progresses, it can lead to high risk of heart attack and stroke. PVD is underdiagnosed due the high amount of asymptomatic cases as well as issues with the current diagnosis process. The current process relies heavily on. The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). While ABI is an effective test, it is not widely preformed because it is time consuming and requires technical expertise. This project seeks to evaluate the possibility of developing a new diagnostic sensor or device to fill a similar role as ABI in the PVD diagnosis process. For evaluating the design space in the PVD diagnosis process, this project established clinical need for a new device, evaluates prior art, and then explores potential solutions. One potential solution identified is a modified digital ABI device that uses cuffless blood pressure measurements. Additionally, pulse oximetry is identified as a possible solution that would provide the fastest test time and greatest ease of use. Given the research done in this project, the recommendation for continuation is to pursue both potential solutions, but with an emphasis on expanding research into a pulse oximetry based device. If pulse oximetry is validated as a PVD screening method with similar accuracy to ABI, then it has the potential to be a fast and effective tool that will expand PVD screening in both primary care and hospital settings.