Doppler Measurements

• Optimize 2D image, adjust gain and depth
• Select the type of Doppler (Pulsed, Continuous, Tissue)
• Activates cursor
• Line cursor parallel to flow
• If PW, place indicator ball/double has in area of interest
• Select type of Doppler again to obtain signal
• Acquire waveform, wait 3-5 seconds
• Freeze waveform
• Adjust baseline and scale to optimize waveform (see tip of waveform of interest)
• Scroll through sample to find best representation
• Save image with no measurement (allow for offline measurements)
• If difficult image, save and repeat above a few times
• It is good to have several samples if needed

• Two primary measurements, peak velocity (V pk) and velocity time integral (VTI)
• V pk is the distance from the baseline to the tip of the curve
• VTI is the sum of distances under the curve
• Visual assessment of the waveform pattern for hepatic, portal and renal assessments
• Optimize frozen waveform (increase gain if needed to see full wave, and adjust scale and baseline to see entire wave)
• Spend a few seconds to make sure you know which wave is the one of interest
• Select correct measurement from calculation package

• Mark the peak of the wave and select enter
• System knows where the baseline is
• Save measurement

• Start at the baseline to the left of the curve
• Trace along the edge of the curve
• Stay tight to the curve
• Follow it down to the right side of the curve
• Select enter
• Save image

Tip

There will be some differences between systems, but they all work in the same basic way

Figure 1 - Peak Velocities

Figure 2 - VTI

Chan, Vincent, and Anahi Perlas. “Basics of ultrasound imaging.” Atlas of ultrasound-guided procedures in interventional pain management. Springer, New York, NY, 2011. 13-19.