Functions and diagnostic options — identify risks, detect diseases
‘Reading’ the pulse wave comes with a huge benefit: It contains a wealth of valuable information that guarantees a significant advance in knowledge compared to standard diagnostics concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Used on time and regularly as a follow-up, VASCASSIST, with the help of the globally unique, industry-leading precise Model-based Pulse Wave Analysis (mbPWA), helps to effectively protect the heart and arteries as a differential diagnostic all-round tool with its variety of meaningful measurement data.
The diagnostic principle relies on oscillometric blood pressure measurement employing cuffs placed on the upper arms, wrists, and ankles. Both peripheral and aortic values are determined. The algorithm-based measurement method of Model-based Pulse Wave Analysis (mbPWA) opens up a wide range of diagnostic options — including, in particular, the detection of rare cardiovascular diseases. In addition, those diseases can be localized and diagnosed much earlier than possible with conventional methods.
THE FEATURES
Oscillometric blood pressure measurement — peripheral and central
VASCASSIST performs oscillometric blood pressure measurements: Determining peripheral blood pressure requires the application of four cuffs, two each on the upper arms and ankles. Four cuffs are also applied to measure aortic blood pressure, two on each upper arm and both wrists.
Measurement of heart rate variability (HRV)
VASCASSIST determines heart rate variability (HRV): This parameter refers to the temporal variations between individual heartbeats, as the heartbeat constantly changes. HRV is considered a recognized non-invasive marker of the autonomic nervous system and is influenced by several physiological phenomena such as physical activity/recovery, stress responses, relaxation, inhalation and exhalation, as well as respiratory control, hormonal responses, etc.
Measurement of Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)
VASCASSIST measures pulse wave velocity (PWV): this parameter represents a significant parameter of arterial vascular stiffness and is an additional indicator of arterial vascular stenosis.
Determination of the ankle-brachial index (ABI)
VASCASSIST calculates fully automatically the ankle-brachial index (ABI) required in many medical guidelines, which is a specific indicator of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD), also known as claudicatio intermittens.
Pulse rate measurement
VASCASSIST tracks the pulse rate.
Pulse Curve Visualization
VASCASSIST’s corresponding software program, VASCVIEWER, provides a diagnosis-supporting visualization of the measured pulse pressure curves.
DIAGNOSTIC OPTIONS
Right/left side comparison
VASCASSIST enables right/left side comparison during blood pressure measurement: According to the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, one should always determine blood pressure on both arms: This allows early detection of vascular disease. Even a difference of 10 mmHg increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease by 140%!
Cardiac preload and afterload
VASCASSIST calculates cardiac function by simulating the end-diastolic volume and diastolic pressure in the aorta.
Optimizing Cardiovascular Dialysis Therapy via Preload/Afterload
VASCASSIST increases the quality of life and life expectancy of dialysis patients. By detecting the heart’s preload and afterload, the device enables detailed monitoring of left ventricular plateau time (LVPT) to prevent left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a common condition associated with coronary artery disease. Ultimately, it can lead to heart attack, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.
Cardiovascular Age
VASCASSIST allows for concise statements concerning the condition of the heart and the arteries — including the determination of cardiovascular age, which is also easy for patients to understand. Vascular age often deviates significantly from the actual age.
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Central measurement: By way of central measurement, VASCASSIST determines aortic blood pressure, which, in contrast to blood pressure measured purely peripherally (upper arms), is considered a more accurate indicator of individual cardiovascular risk.
Diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral measurement: VASCASSIST determines different degrees in the severity of vascular stenosis in the lower and upper extremities. The device often detects vascular changes that are not yet clinically relevant so early that patients can still actively counteract them through lifestyle changes (especially more exercise and targeted (cardio)vascular training). In many cases, patients can avoid surgery altogether or delay it for a long time if they take the initiative.
Determination of arrhythmias
VASCASSIST detects cardiac arrhythmias.
Detection of collateral formation
VASCASSIST detects bypass arteries: These finely branched, endogenous new formations of arteries provide essential information about already existing arterial occlusions, compensated for thanks to the body’s self-healing powers. However, the body’s mechanism to form these natural bypasses starts too late in acute cases. Therefore, collaterals are always a severe warning sign.
Detection of side differences
VASCASSIST reveals blood pressure differences in arms and legs.
Although current hypertension guidelines have recommended this for some time, bilateral blood pressure measurements still happen relatively rarely. However, pronounced side differences are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and higher mortality.
Besides, measuring on both arms is recommended to avoid measurement errors generally. Added to that is that one-sided measurements would risk overlooking existing hypertension. Lastly, blood pressure differences of the extremities indicate particular diseases such as subclavian stenosis or peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD/pAVK), whose early detection significantly improves the prognosis.
Diagnosis of exclusion and differential diagnostics
When symptoms are unclear and need interpretation, VASCASSIST provides valuable assistance for differential diagnostics and diagnosis of exclusion: By analyzing the graphically displayed pulse waveforms, VASCASSIST enables the detection of previously undetected forms of cardiovascular diseases. These often fall through the diagnostic cracks with conventional measurement methods. Ideally, this can significantly shorten the time from diagnosis to therapy. Another plus: patients are spared years of odysseys from doctor to doctor.
Subclavian steal syndrome
VASCASSIST can detect the rare Subclavian Steal Syndrome.
