Dopplerultraäänen

Dopplerultraääni, often referred to as Doppler ultrasonography or simply Doppler ultrasound, is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses Doppler principles to assess blood flow. It is an extension of conventional ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of internal body structures. Doppler ultrasound specifically measures the speed and direction of blood flow within arteries and veins.

The technique works by emitting sound waves from a transducer into the body. These sound waves reflect off moving blood cells. As the blood cells move towards or away from the transducer, the frequency of the reflected sound waves changes. This phenomenon, known as the Doppler effect, is what allows the ultrasound machine to detect and quantify blood flow. The greater the speed of the blood, the larger the frequency shift.

Doppler ultrasound is widely used in various medical specialties. In cardiology, it helps evaluate blood flow through the heart and detect conditions like valve defects and congenital heart disease. Vascular surgeons use it to examine blood vessels throughout the body, identifying blockages (stenosis), clots (thrombosis), or aneurysms. It is also employed in obstetrics to monitor fetal well-being and blood flow to the placenta, and in radiology for diagnosing a range of vascular abnormalities. The information gathered by Doppler ultrasound aids in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.