Color Doppler

Color Doppler

A Colour Doppler is a noninvasive test that can be used to evaluate the blood flow through your blood vessels by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off circulating red blood cells.

A Colour Doppler may help diagnose many conditions, including:

• Blood clots In the vein (DVT)
• Poorly functioning valves in your leg veins, which can cause blood to pool in your legs (venous insufficiency)
• A blocked artery (arterial occlusion)
• Decreased blood circulation into your legs (peripheral artery disease)
• Bulging arteries (aneurysms)
• Narrowing of an artery, such as in your neck (carotid artery stenosis)
• The Doppler scan helps to locate a hematoma, verify the position of a metal stent placed, detects tumors and congenital vascular malformations.
• Renal artery Doppler : to look for significant renal artery stenosis in hypertensive patients
• Scrotal Color Doppler : To rule out testicular torsion
• Arterio Venous Fistula Doppler : In patients undergoing hemo dialysis for chronic kidney disorders.
• Penile Doppler : in cases of erectile dysfunction.

Risks of Colour Doppler Scan -

There is no known risk of a Colour Doppler scan. It does not harm the blood vessels, heart, brain, uterine structures or the fetus in anyway. Colour Doppler scan is, by far, a safe technique used as an alternative to more invasive diagnostic tools.

Doppler Scan of Various Organs

• Arteries in the Arms and Legs: Doppler scan is done in both arms and both legs, even if the abnormality is suspected in one limb. This is done so that the vascular system can be compared between the two limbs.
• Veins in the Arms and Legs: Changes in blood flow that occur as a response to your breathing patterns are noted. A compression maneuver, pressing the probe close to the surface of the skin on the veins, at different points is done.
• Arteries of the Neck or Carotid Arteries: The Doppler scan helps to locate a hematoma, verify the position of a metal stent placed, detects tumors and congenital vascular malformations.
• Transcranial Doppler: measures speed of blood flow through the brain’s blood vessels. The test is used for diagnosis of emboli, stenosis, vasospasm, hemorrhage and other related problems.