In order to properly identify whether you require bypass surgery, you might have to take a QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test. Similar tests are conducted as routine in order to determine the existence of any conditions that could result in complications during the surgery.

In the case of the QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test, the condition that is being observed is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD.) A condition marked by narrowed or blocked arteries caused by the build-up of plaque.

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral Artery Disease is both symptomatic and asymptomatic. A person can go for years without knowing that they have PAD, whilst others experience intermittent pain or numbing in their legs and feet (often after exercise.)

If treated quickly, PAD is non-fatal. However, permanently blocked-off arteries can cut off blood flow in important parts of the body — like the heart and brain — and that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It could also devolve in a bad case of gangrene and result in the loss of limbs.

Revascularization may be required if the plaque build-up (atherosclerosis) is severe enough to merit it. This can get in the way of other conditions and cause complications during any kind of bypass surgery — be it a leg bypass or a heart bypass surgery.

The QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test

In the past, the identification of Peripheral Arterial Disease was conducted through doppler technology. This is an aged method but one that is still used today. However, since 2011, the QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test has become the new standard.

Unlike doppler machines, the QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test is fully automatic. It’s a Windows-based system that can be installed on any Windows desktop, laptop, or tablet. The system includes a sensor clamp for connecting to a patient’s fingers and toes and has been equipped with a proprietary algorithm that can automatically calculate the results for diagnosis.

It’s intuitive, cheap, portable, efficient, and highly accurate. The test only takes 5 minutes, and a full-page of the results can be viewed on the PC or tablet of your choice before being printed for documentation or analysis at a later date.

Why is it Done?

Bypass surgery, of any kind, is done in order to ensure that your arteries are functional. It’s not a cure, but it is a great treatment solution for those looking for one. The reason why the QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test is conducted before bypass surgery is to complete the diagnosis.

It’s important that your doctor knows any potential obstructions in your arteries as this can result in complications during the surgery. For example, if more than one blockage is found, that will require a different type of surgery altogether.

It’s a surgery that deserves a lot of planning and thus requires very careful testing — case in point, it often takes days or weeks for one to be performed (even though emergency bypass surgeries might be performed occasionally.)

Conclusion: What is Done Before Bypass Surgery? (QUANTAF LO™ PAD Test)

Of course, the QUANTAFLO™ PAD Test is just one of the many tests that might be performed before bypass surgery. However, it is one of the most important ones. In fact, a routine PAD test (for those that are diabetic, over the age of 65, or displaying any of other known risk factors of atherosclerosis) might even be the reason that bypass surgery is performed in the first place.

REFERENCES:

“QuantaFlo.” Semler Scientific, http:// www.semlerscientific.com/quantaflo/ . Grenon, S Marlene, et al. “Peripheral Artery Disease and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from the Heart and Soul Study.” Vascular Medicine (London, England), U.S. Nation al Library of Medicine, Aug. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207208/ .