Doppler ultrasound is a safe, completely painless and non-invasive diagnostic test, thanks to which it is possible to detect health problems related to the circulatory system. Using an ultrasound scanner, the blood flowing in the arteries and veins is examined and, consequently, and any anomalies in this area are detected: strictures, blood clots, venous blockages. Importantly, ultrasound can be exercised over and over again in people of all ages – ranging from infants – and you don’t need to prepare in any way.

Changes in the circulatory system pose a serious threat to life – they can cause pulmonary embolism, heart attack, thrombosis, stroke. An indication for the examination may be e.g. varicose veins, suspicion of atherosclerotic changes or life-threatening changes, aneurysms, and some neoplastic changes (e.g. liver tumors). The subclavian and cervical arteries are most often affected, as well as abdominal organs, heart and limbs (lower and upper).

Doppler ultrasound scanner is a device with a special head placed on the patient’s body, which sends an ultrasonic wave. This wave passes through the body reflecting off the moving medium as it is e.g. flowing blood, then returns to the transducer. At the same time, an ultrasound machine receives changes in wave frequency, records them and displays them on the monitor.

In order to the ultrasound wave to penetrate our body, it must be lubricated with a special colorless gel, which additionally facilitates the trouble-free movement of the head. A doctor applies the gel, puts the head on and moves it over a patient’s skin, while observing the image in black and white or the color monitor and marking those places where blood flows has changed (is slower or faster, or stopped). Then the doctor gives a patient printed result with the marked results of a problemaric areas and possibly referring to a specialist (e.g. vascular surgeon) or drug treatment is recommended.