Use of Amplified Sound Signal to Identify Presence of Carotid and Femoral Stenosis
Use of Amplified Sound Signal to Identify Presence of Carotid and Femoral Stenosis
The purpose of the study is to test a new amplified stethoscope(AudioDoc) that can detect the
 presence of bruit by using an acoustic signal to represent the bruit. This pilot study will
 address two questions: is there a detectable difference in recorded sound signal of carotid
 and femoral bruit when compared to sound signals captured when there is no bruit present; is
 the use of a visual recorded signal more accurate in identifying carotid and femoral bruit
 when compared to traditional auscultation with a regular stethoscope and ultrasound.
Recorded signals are stored on a laptop computer. The signals later undergo Fourier analysis
 are then compared to the findings on carotid ultrasoud as to degree of stenosis. Subjects
 with high grade stenosis in which no bruit was ascultated but in which carotid ultrasound
 data suggests a bruit may be present are studied for soft /inaudible bruits. When available,
 data will be correlated to CT/conventional angiographic studies.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  age 19-90 years

 -  having clinical ultrasound evaluation of carotid or femoral artery

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  under age 19; over age 90 years