Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound imaging technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel, including the body’s major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms and legs. Doppler ultrasound is also used to identify blood flow blockages in the neck arteries that could lead to a stroke. A Doppler ultrasound can measure the direction and speed of blood flow and allows for real-time viewing of blood flow that can’t be obtained with other methods. It can help your doctor identify narrowing or blockages (such as clots or plaque), defects or tumors and determine the most effective treatment. Doppler ultrasound is also useful in monitoring sites prior to bypass surgery, angioplasty or stenting.
Power Doppler is even more sensitive than color Doppler in detecting blood flow, although it does not provide information about the direction of blood flow. Power Doppler provides even greater detail about blood flow, especially in blood vessels located inside organs.