Blood flow in deep abdominal and pelvic vessels: ultrasonic pulsed-Doppler analysis.

Abstract

Ultrasonic pulsed-Doppler signals from deep-lying vessels in the normal [human] abdomen and pelvis are described. The signal characteristics combine to produce a Doppler "signature" that is specific for each vessel. The clinical potential of this method of deep flow detection is considered in relation to 3 areas of Doppler signal analysis: qualitative indication of the presence, direction or absence of flow in a structure; more quantitative description of time velocity waveforms and Doppler spectral content; and the estimation of absolute volume flow. Limitations of these methods for the abdominal signals obtained are discussed.