| 摘要 |
Techniques and apparatus of particular value in assessing a patient's suitability for femorodistal by-pass surgery (but also with other applications) are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of testing the vascular condition of a patient comprises applying a pulsatile pressure waveform to a part of the patient's body and observing the resultant blood flow using a non-invasive technique at a location spaced apart from the area of application of said waveform. In another aspect, the method is used to determine the patency of calf arteries in a human or non-human animal, and comprises (a) applying a series of pressure pulses to the exterior of the calf of the animal; and (b) observing blood flow at or near the level of the ankle of the animal by a non-invasive technique. Apparatus provided by the invention comprises: (a) means for applying to the periphery of an area of the animal a pulsatile pressure wave form; and (b) means for observing the blood flow in the animal at a point distal with respect to the application of said pulsatile pressure wave form. An infusor is also disclosed, the infusor comprising a first plunger arranged to act upon a syringe plunger to which the infusor is connected; and a second plunger connected to said first plunger via a compression spring. |
