Peak systolic velocity (PSV) is a crucial measurement in vascular ultrasound, representing the maximum speed of blood flow within a vessel during systole, the heart’s contraction phase. This key parameter helps diagnose and quantify arterial stenosis, where narrowing of a vessel restricts blood flow. High PSV values often indicate significant blockages, guiding further medical assessment and intervention for conditions like peripheral artery disease or carotid artery stenosis.
Accurate PSV measurements are essential for vascular health monitoring and treatment planning in medical ultrasound. Sonographers use Doppler imaging to precisely calculate PSV, providing non-invasive insights into circulatory dynamics. Understanding PSV trends is vital for assessing cardiovascular risk and managing vascular pathologies, making it a cornerstone of diagnostic imaging in this field.