Examining the Use of Three Dimensional Ultrasound in the Assessment of Vascular Pathologies

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects approximately 10% of the American population, with 30% to 40% of these patients presenting with claudication symptoms. The prevalence of PAD increases with age and the number of vascular risk factors. More importantly, it is a marker of atherosclerotic disease burden, and is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular causes. There have been recent advances in noninvasive imaging, endovascular approaches for revascularization, and aggressive risk factor management for prevention of cardiac and cerebrovascular complications in PAD.

Ultrasound scanning imaging systems are currently the primary choice for vascular diagnostics. After a standard vascular study, the ultrasound technologist produces a handwritten sketch that highlights various parameters (vessel size and blood flow) throughout the vasculature in question. This sketch is then interpreted by the physician who then assesses and, if need be, performs interventions. This sketch is shown to the patient to better illustrate the vascular insufficiency issues that are affecting the patient. A digital copy of the sketch is also uploaded to the patient portal.

Due to a limited field of action and poor quantification accuracy, patients are often referred for secondary scanning procedures such as computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and catheter angiography for more detailed imaging. Referrals delay treatment, expose the patient to potential health risks and pose higher costs to healthcare providers. This can lead to poor patient compliance and avoidable hospital readmissions. This presents a need to improve the rapidity and safety of the diagnosis of vascular conditions in patients to enable rapid treatment of conditions such as peripheral artery disease. There is also a need for cost effective preventative screening and surveillance to enable early intervention, for example, people at high risk of limb amputation.

The PIUR tUS Imaging System has been approved for use in the European Union for over 1 year. Studies performed in Europe have highlighted the system's ability to accurately depict various pathologies in a 3D form. Currently, there is no market equivalent of this technology approved by the FDA for use in the United States. We are conducting this study to determine whether the 3D images created by the device shown to patients can be used as an educational tool to increase patient comprehension of the disease process, compared with the standard of care 2D images. This will be measured in terms of compliance with follow-up appointments and 30-day readmission rates.