Ankle–brachial pressure index Ankle–brachial pressure index The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) or ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the ratio of the blood pressure at the ankle to the blood pressure in the upper arm (brachium). Compared to the arm, lower blood pressure in the leg suggests blocked arteries due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). The ABPI is calculated by dividing the systolic blood pressure at the ankle by the systolic blood pressure in the arm. The patient must be placed supine, without the head or any extremities dangling over the edge of the table. Measurement of ankle blood pressures in a seated position will
Perforating branches of internal thoracic artery Perforating branches of internal thoracic artery The perforating branches of the internal thoracic artery pierce through the internal intercostal muscles of the superior six intercostal spaces. These small arteries run with the anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves. The perforating arteries constitute part of the blood supply to the pectoralis major and the overlying tissue and skin. The second, third and fourth perforating branches give off medial mammary branches, which become enlarged during lactation. Chung, Kyung Wong, Ph.D. "Board Review Series: Gross Anatomy, 3rd ed. 114-115. Williams and Wilkins: 1995." Lockhart, R.D., et al. "Anatomy of the Human Body."