Pulsed-wave Doppler, in physics, is an ultrasound technique that precisely measures blood flow velocity at a specific location. It emits short bursts of ultrasound waves and then listens for echoes from moving red blood cells. By analyzing the time delay between pulses and the frequency shift (Doppler effect) of the returning echoes, the system can determine the velocity of blood flow within a selected sample volume. This method is crucial for isolating and evaluating flow in individual vessels or cardiac chambers.
In medical ultrasound, pulsed-wave Doppler is indispensable for detailed hemodynamic assessments. It allows clinicians to non-invasively quantify blood flow in areas of interest, such as within a specific heart valve or a narrowed artery. This capability is vital for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like valvular heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and various cardiac pathologies, providing precise quantitative data for patient care.