Diagnostic accuracy of laser Doppler flowmetry versus strain gauge plethysmography for segmental pressure measurement.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) with mercury-in-silastic strain gauge plethysmography (SGP) as a reference test for measuring the toe and ankle pressures in patients with known or suspected peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, blinded diagnostic accuracy study. Toe and ankle pressures were measured using both methods in 200 consecutive patients, who were recruited at our vascular laboratory over a period of 30 working days.

Reliability of mercury-in-silastic strain gauge plethysmography curve reading: influence of clinical clues and observer variation.

Aim: Mercury-in-silastic strain gauge pletysmography (SGP) is a well-established technique for blood flow and blood pressure measurements. The aim of this study was to examine (i) the possible influence of clinical clues, e.g.