Site Map	Measure Doppler Index of Foot Pulses

• Introduce yourself and check the patient's identity
• Discuss procedure with the patient
• Position patient supine with no pressure on the proximal vessels
• Allow the patient to rest 10-20 minutes
• Arms
  • Place an appropriate cuff around the arm
  • Locate the brachial pulse & apply ultrasound contact gel
  • Angle the Doppler probe at 40° and locate the best signal
  • Inflate the cuff untill signal is abolished
  • Deflate slowly and record the pressure at which the signal returns
  • Record this pressure (brachial systolic)
  • Repeat on other arm
  • Use the higher of these two values to calculate the abPI
• Legs
  • Place an appropriate cuff around the ankle immediately above the malleoli (protect any ulcers)
  • Locate the dorsalis pedis pulse
  • Measure and record as with arm
  • Locate the posterior tibial pulse
  • Use the highest reading to calculate the abPI for the ankle
• abPI = Highest ankle pressure (for each leg) / highest brachial pressure
• Wipe up ultrasound contact gel & clean the Doppler probe
• Encourage & answer questions from the patient

	Any comments or feedback please contact me by email: Tom Williams