Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests measure blood vessel health in the leg, a significant factor in wound healing. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, use technologically advanced wireless ABI to assess artery health. They use the information to inform treatment planning for better outcomes. Call Complete Wound Care to discuss the ABI procedure or schedule a consultation online today.

What is an ankle-brachial index?

An ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a fast, noninvasive way of checking for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

PAD occurs when the narrowing of your arteries reduces blood flow to your legs. It can cause leg pain when walking (claudication). PAD is also a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, as it indicates your arteries aren’t very healthy.

An ankle-brachial index compares your ankle’s and arm’s blood pressures. A low ankle-brachial index indicates narrowing or a blockage in your leg arteries.

Complete Wound Care uses the Automated wireless MESI mTABLET ABI system with 3CUFF™ technology for fast, accurate results.

What happens when I have an ankle-brachial index test?

Before your provider completes an ankle-brachial index test, they might ask you to rest for up to 30 minutes to settle your blood pressure.

For the test, you lie on a treatment table. Your provider uses inflatable blood pressure cuffs to compare blood pressure in your arm and ankle.

The ankle-brachial index test only takes a few minutes and should be painless. When the blood pressure cuff tightens, you might feel some discomfort, but this only lasts a few seconds. After your test, you can carry on with your day as usual.

What do the ankle-brachial index test results show?

An ankle-brachial index of 0.91 to 0.99 signifies you have borderline PAD. If your ankle-brachial index is below 0.90, it indicates you have PAD. Complete Wound Care uses this information to predict the rate at which wounds may heal. Identifying PAD is also an indicator for vascular procedures to improve blood flow.

One of the reasons nonhealing wounds like arterial ulcers form is a lack of healthy blood flow in the limbs. Arterial blood delivers vital oxygen to your tissues; it also carries nutrients and healing cells like growth factors that are vital for tissue repair.

Poor blood flow deprives the lower limbs of these essential substances, and one of the primary causes of poor lower limb blood flow is PAD. By assessing the severity of PAD in your legs, your provider can calculate the oxygen and nutrient levels your tissues receive and determine the rate at which healing might occur.

Call Complete Wound Care or book an appointment online today to learn more about the ankle-brachial index test.