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Physiologic analyzers designed for non-invasive assessment of the main characteristics of the cardiovascular function and the blood circulatory system. These analyzers usually measure and/or asses the main parameters that determine the heart and vasculature status, such as the ratio of the systolic pressures at the ankle to the systolic pressure in the upper arms (i.e., brachial pressure) known as ankle-brachial index (ABI) that is considered a measure of the stenosis and occlusion of arteries. They also measure the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) which is a measure of the vascular stiffness as well as other characteristics such as the toe-brachial index (TBI) that are also useful in the evaluation of the vascular function. Vascular function analyzers usually consist of a computerized unit with a display, a printer, and controllers; the analyzers use dedicated software with algorithms for automated assessment of the patient\'s status. They also include an electrocardiograph, a sphygmomanometer to determine the non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP); appropriate cuffs for the measurement of the brachial, ankle, and toe blood pressure; and interconnection cables. Vascular function analyzers are used to screen the vascular function status and/or to follow the progress of vascular diseases (e.g., arteriosclerosis) in patient; some analyzers are based in the variation of length of the interval between heart beats.
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