Understanding the Doppler Function and How It Works

Doppler is a medical examination tool that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonography), to estimate the condition of blood flow through blood vessels. If ultrasound (USG) generally uses sound waves only to produce images, Doppler ultrasound can be used to monitor blood flow, so it is useful to determine the diagnosis of various diseases, especially those related to problems in blood vessels.

Doppler Procedure Process

The Doppler ultrasound process usually begins by applying gel to the skin surface of the part of the body to be scanned. Next, a handheld device called a transducer will be placed on the surface of the skin to begin scanning. This device will then send sound waves which will then be amplified through a microphone. Sound waves will bounce off solid objects, including blood cells. So the movement of blood cells will be monitored when the reflection tone of the sound wave changes, known as the Doppler effect. It is through these sound waves that doctors can assess normal blood flow or vice versa. Some conditions that can be identified using Doppler ultrasound are:

• The state of blood flow in arteries and veins that are in the arms, legs, or neck,
• The presence of a blockage in blood flow or a suspected blood clot can cause a stroke,
• The presence of clots in blood vessels, which when released can inhibit blood flow to vital organs, such as the lungs,
• Helps assess the health of the baby's blood flow in the womb, to monitor its development.

If it is needed, the doctor will recommend Doppler ultrasound. Don't worry, the scanning process only takes a few minutes. The tool used for scanning is almost the same as in ordinary ultrasound devices.

Diseases that can be detected using Doppler

In accordance with the conditions that can be identified through the Doppler effect, there are several types of diseases that can be detected using Doppler ultrasound, including:

• Congenital heart disease,
• Blockage or narrowing of arteries (arteriosclerosis),
• Peripheral arterial disease, which is reduced blood circulation to the legs due to narrowing of the arteries,
• Carotid stenosis or narrowing of the arteries in the neck,
• Venous obstruction, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). ). This examination can also be done to diagnose varicose veins in the vagina or other body parts.
• Tumors in the leg veins or arms.

Doppler ultrasound examination can be used as an alternative to examination of blood vessels such as angiography which is more invasive because it requires prior injection action. The Doppler ultrasound procedure is generally convenient, harmless and does not require a long time to do. In fact, this examination is safe for the fetus in the womb. You do not need to worry about examining using this Doppler technique if it is recommended by your doctor to detect conditions in your body.