GOLDEN, Colo., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Doppler Systems, a leading manufacturer of ultrasound Doppler products, introduced today a significant upgrade to the Vista AVS, a full-featured arterial physiologic exam system. The new Vista AVS has advanced features, one of which allows clinicians to perform the ankle brachial index (ABI) exam for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) in the seated position, the patent-pending Seated ABI.
The ABI exam, which compares systolic blood pressures obtained at the ankles and arms, was traditionally performed with the patient in the supine position to prevent error from hydrostatic pressure. This position requirement made the exam difficult for patients with disabilities or mobility impairments. Recent studies have shown these patients have reduced access to many diagnostic exams. Fortunately, the new Vista AVS calculates ABI values for seated patients by compensating for the effects of gravity on the lower extremity pressures. Now for the first time, patients who are immobile or unable to lay supine can be seated for ABI measurement.
"Our vision is to significantly broaden the availability of the ABI exam without compromising accuracy," said Dave Jones, Vice President of Engineering for Summit Doppler. "With the Seated ABI, we are making the ABI exam readily available to millions of people who have mobility issues or medical conditions that prohibit testing in the supine position. The Seated ABI is the first of a series of steps we're making toward delivery of a faster and more affordable ABI exam."
Along with the ability to perform the Seated ABI using hydrostatic pressure correction, the new Vista AVS allows clinicians to customize segmental studies by selecting the number and location of arterial sites. While the ABI exam is performed as the initial test to diagnose P.A.D., segmental studies are performed on patients with P.A.D. to localize the occlusion in the lower limbs.
P.A.D. affects 8 to 12 million people in the U.S. every year. It is characterized by the narrowing of the arteries in the legs caused by plaque build-up, also known as atherosclerosis. Early detection can prevent further cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke and death. Awareness of P.A.D. and its diagnosis and treatment are rapidly increasing. Better equipment and reimbursement for the diagnosis is making the exam cost effective for office-based medical practices.
The Vista AVS, first released in 2007, was designed by Summit Doppler to make the ABI and other arterial exams faster, easier, and more affordable. With its new features and significant cost advantage, the 2008 Vista AVS will broaden the availability of arterial diagnostic studies and help reduce overall healthcare costs.
Summit Doppler Systems, located in Golden, Colorado, manufactures ultrasound Doppler systems used to detect fetal heartbeat and monitor peripheral arterial blood flow. With continuous research and development, Summit Doppler is dedicated to providing new technologies to better serve the needs of healthcare providers, which ultimately provide improved healthcare for all of us.
http://www.summitdoppler.com
CONTACT: Julie A. Bolkovac, Director of Marketing of Summit Doppler
Systems, Inc., 1-800-554-5090, ext. 230, fax, +1-303-940-7165,
julieb@summitdoppler.com
Web site: http://www.summitdoppler.com/
