# Toe digit pulsation measurement by impedance plethysmography in miniaturized devices: An early feasibility test

**Authors:** Håvard Kalvøy, Jonny Hisdal, Christian Tronstad

PMC · DOI: 10.2478/joeb-2025-0020 · Journal of Electrical Bioimpedance · 2025-12-31

## TL;DR

This study tests a miniaturized device using impedance plethysmography to measure toe pulse waves, aiming to detect early signs of blood flow issues.

## Contribution

The study introduces a flexible, 3D-printed setup for IPG tailored for toe pulse measurement in miniaturized devices.

## Key findings

- A flexible 3D-printed clamp with Ag/AgCl electrodes successfully captured distal pulsatile signals.
- Preliminary results suggest IPG's potential for detecting peripheral vascular dysfunction early.

## Abstract

This early feasibility test explores impedance plethysmography (IPG) for detecting toe pulse waves using a setup suited for miniaturized devices. Conventional tests often miss micro-circulatory impairment, which is critical for wound healing and limb survival. We designed a flexible 3D-printed clamp with Ag/AgCl electrodes positioned on the inner big toe to target the lateral plantar digital artery. 50 kHz impedance measurements were performed on a healthy volunteer using 3D-printed electrode clamp for a tetrapolar configuration. Custom designed flexible electrodes were tested with and without contact gel. Preliminary results suggest that IPG can capture distal pulsatile signals, motivating further exploration of the potential for early detection of peripheral vascular dysfunction.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** peripheral vascular dysfunction (MESH:D016491), circulatory impairment (MESH:D012769)
- **Chemicals:** AgCl (MESH:C037548), Ag (MESH:D012834)

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12794149/full.md

## References

13 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12794149/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12794149