Doppler ultrasonography

Doppler Ultrasonography

Doppler ultrasonography (pronounced: dawp-ler ul-truh-suh-nog-ruh-fee) is a medical imaging technique used to provide visualization of the blood flow, by using the Doppler effect to create an image of the movement of blood through the vessels.

Etymology

The term "Doppler" refers to the Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, who first described the Doppler effect in 1842. "Ultrasonography" is derived from the Latin "ultra" (beyond), and the Greek "sonos" (sound) and "graphia" (writing).

Procedure

In Doppler ultrasonography, a handheld device called a transducer is passed over the body area being examined. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves that bounce off body tissues and blood cells. The sound waves are then picked up and displayed on a computer screen.

Types of Doppler Ultrasonography

There are several types of Doppler ultrasonography, including:

Color Doppler: This method provides a visual map of blood flow.
Power Doppler: This is a newer technique that is more sensitive than color Doppler and capable of providing greater detail of blood flow.
Spectral Doppler: This method provides a graphical representation of blood flow.

Uses

Doppler ultrasonography is used in many different types of examinations and procedures, such as:

Evaluating blood flow to determine the presence of peripheral artery diseases or blood clots.
Studying blood flow in the liver to help diagnose liver diseases.
Guiding needle placement during biopsies.
Evaluating fetal health in pregnancy.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Doppler ultrasonography
Wikipedia's article - Doppler ultrasonography

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Doppler ultrasonography