ABI Devices, Dopplers & Foetal Doppler Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does a foetal doppler work?

  A foetal doppler monitor is a hand-held ultrasound transducer used to detect the foetal heartbeat for prenatal care.

  It uses the doppler effect to provide an audible simulation of the heart beat. Some models also display the heart rate in beats per minute (BPM).

• What is an ABPI test?

  The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a non-invasive method of assessing the extent of chronic peripheral arterial disease in the lower limbs. It is a ratio composed of the blood pressure in the brachial artery and the pressures in the foot arteries.

• What is a doppler test used for?

  A Doppler ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flow through your arteries and veins, usually those that supply blood to your arms and legs.

• What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

  PAD or LEAD (lower extremity artery disease) is the narrowing of peripheral arteries. It is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arterial walls. This means the blood flow to the limbs is restricted.

  The most typical symptom is leg pain which occurs during exercise and is relieved by a short period of rest, this is known as intermittent claudication. Most patients, however, do not necessarily feel the leg pain or any other symptoms or are unable to describe them to their doctor.