The Purpose of New Dopplers for Ultrasound Imaging

The Purpose of New Dopplers for Ultrasound Imaging


Dopplers, or Doppler ultrasound devices, offer a view inside the human body using reflected sound waves to create an image. Little preparation is required for the procedure, and a Doppler ultrasound can be performed at the bedside, in a hospital, clinic, assisted living, or home health care environment.



How Do Doppler Ultrasound Devices Work?

A handheld device called a transducer is passed over the skin. The transducer both sends and receives sound waves through a microphone, at a pitch which is inaudible to the human ear. The sound wave bounces off solid objects, including blood cells.

As blood cells move through veins and arteries, the sound reflected back changes in pitch directly related to the speed of the blood flow. This change in pitch due to movement is called the Doppler Effect, and it can be heard in daily life as the difference between the sound of a train whistle that is approaching and one that is moving away.

By capturing both images of internal structures and graphs of blood flow rates, this device offers important diagnostic information for well-baby checks and the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The graphs or images created can be saved and reviewed later, becoming part of the electronic medical record (EMR).

What Are the Types of Doppler Ultrasound?

There are several types of Doppler ultrasound devices that are used for specific tests or environments, but they fall into three basic types:

  • Obstetrical Dopplers. By using a Doppler during pregnancy, doctors and midwives can monitor fetal development and identify any concerns early, using safe sound waves. Doppler fetal ultrasound is a type of continuous wave Doppler.
  • Perioperative Dopplers. These devices are used during surgery to detect air emboli (air bubbles), which can be life-threatening and must be released before the operation is complete.
  • Vascular Dopplers. These devices specifically test the veins and arteries for blood flow. These may be duplex Dopplers and create graphs or color Dopplers which produce images of the blood vessel showing the speed and direction of blood flow.



What Medical Conditions Are Diagnosed with Dopplers?
Dopplers are used to diagnose and treat diseases involving abnormal blood flow, soft tissue damage, and to monitor an advancing pregnancy or diagnose fetal health conditions. Some of the reasons a Doppler ultrasound is a must-have piece of medical equipment include:

  • Diagnosing stroke and mini-strokes
  • Blood flow evaluation using Doppler ultrasound for leg arterial studies (segmental Doppler pressures)
  • Locating injured blood vessels or blocked arteries
  • Diagnosing and monitoring deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Monitoring arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Treating diseases which cause inflammation of blood vessels
  • Spotting vascular tumors in the extremities
  • Obtaining extremely accurate blood pressure readings for specific parts of the body
  • Monitoring fetal development and planning treatment of developmental or congenital conditions before birth
  • Pre-surgical testing to ensure that the patient is a good candidate and/or to locate healthy veins for grafting or bypass procedures

Selecting the Best Doppler Test Equipment for Your Needs

Choosing from the trusted brand names in the industry might still leave you wondering which Doppler is right for your medical application. At the Medical Device Depot, we carry the widest range of equipment from industry leading manufacturers, including Summit Doppler, MedaSonics, Nicolet, and Huntleigh.

We also offer parts and accessories for all major manufacturers, including probes and ultrasound gel, and our trained service professionals can answer all of your questions, so reach out today to find out more. Dopplers can be purchased with financing or purchase orders, so there is no need to wait to provide the best in medical care by using the best medical equipment.