Understand the Doppler function and how it works

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Understand the Doppler function and how it works
Understand the Doppler function and how it works
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Doppler is a health examination tool using high -frequency sound waves to monitor the condition of blood flow and blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound is a supporting examination to diagnose or evaluate the patient's condition

In contrast to ultrasound examination in general which is only able to produce images of tissue or organs of the body, doppler ultrasound can be used to see the condition of flow and blood vessels.

Understanding Doppler Functions and How it Works - Alodokter
Understanding Doppler Functions and How it Works - Alodokter

This makes ultrasound doppler as one of the examination methods that can be done by doctors to diagnose various diseases, especially diseases or disorders of the blood vessels.

Doppler ultrasound inspection procedure

Before conducting an examination with an ultrasound doppler, the doctor or nurse will apply the gel on the surface of the skin on the area of the body to be examined.

Furthermore, the doctor will put the transducer or sound wave transmitter device to monitor the condition of organs, body tissues, and blood vessels in the patient's body.

The device is connected to the doppler ultrasound machine monitor screen that will display images of the condition of organ and blood vessels in the area being checked.

Doctors usually do doppler ultrasound examinations to monitor or evaluate certain conditions, such as:

  • The condition of blood flow in arteries and veins in the arms, legs, or neck
  • The presence of blood clots that clog blood vessels and inhibit blood flow in certain organs
  • The condition of blood flow in the mother and fetus during pregnancy

After the doppler ultrasound examination is completed, the nurse or doctor will clean the remaining gel that is still attached to the patient's skin. Doppler ultrasound examination usually only lasts for a few minutes.

Diseases that can be detected using doppler ultrasound

There are several diseases or medical conditions that can be detected with doppler ultrasound, including:

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Blockage or narrowing of arteries (arteriosclerosis)
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Carotid stenosis or narrowing of arteries in the neck
  • Blockage of veins, for example due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Tumors in blood vessels
  • Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

Doppler ultrasound examination is usually also carried out as an alternative to radiological examination of blood vessels such as angiography which is more invasive.

Angiography is considered more invasive because it requires injection of contrast substances into the bloodstream before the doctor monitors the condition of the patient's organs and blood vessels through X -ray.

Examination with doppler ultrasound is generally carried out by radiology doctors, but can also be done by obstetricians, vascular surgeons, cardiac doctors, or other specialist doctors, according to your condition.

Doppler ultrasound examination is generally not dangerous, does not cause pain even though it may cause discomfort, and does not take long. This examination is also safe for the fetus because it does not use radiation. Therefore, you do not need to feel anxious or afraid if the doctor advises to undergo a doppler ultrasound examination.

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