Doppler Ultrasound: Purpose, Conditions It Can Diagnose, and Procedure

Doppler ultrasound is an examination that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce images of blood flow within the circulatory system. This examination can show the direction and speed of blood flow through the arteries and veins, including blood flow through the heart. The results of a Doppler ultrasound can help doctors detect various disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. So, what is the purpose of a Doppler ultrasound, what conditions can it diagnose, and what does the procedure involve?

Contents

Purpose of Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is used to help doctors assess blood flow and the condition of the heart and blood vessels. This examination can be used to detect various conditions that affect blood flow, such as:

Assessing the direction and speed of blood flow.
Detecting blockages or narrowing of blood vessels.
Assessing the degree of narrowing or leakage of the heart valves.
Helping evaluate conditions such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Assessing blood flow in the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, and major blood vessels in the arms and legs.
Assessing blood flow within the heart as part of an echocardiography examination.

What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed and Detected with Doppler Ultrasound?

Doppler ultrasound can help doctors assess the condition of blood vessels and detect disorders that affect blood flow. Some of the conditions that can be identified through this examination include:

Narrowing of blood vessels, both arteries and veins.
Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis/DVT).
Blood vessel injuries.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Blood flow to transplanted organs, such as the kidneys, liver, or pancreas.
Causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) related to the kidney’s blood vessels.
Tumors in blood vessels.

Doppler Ultrasound Procedure

A Doppler ultrasound procedure generally takes around 30–60 minutes and is performed by a healthcare professional trained in ultrasonography. During the examination, the patient may be asked to lie down or sit, depending on the area of the body being examined.

In general, a Doppler ultrasound procedure involves:

Applying gel to the skin over the area being examined. The gel allows the ultrasound device to move smoothly over the skin while helping transmit sound waves.
Moving the transducer over the skin. The device sends high-frequency sound waves into the body without causing pain.
Detecting blood flow. The sound waves reflect off moving blood cells, resulting in changes in the frequency of the sound waves.
Recording changes in the sound waves detected by the transducer.
Converting the data into images or graphs that can then be reviewed by a doctor.
Removing the gel from the skin after the examination is complete.

When Can Doppler Ultrasound Results Be Available?

Doppler ultrasound results will be reviewed by a doctor or radiologist to assess blood flow and determine whether there may be abnormalities affecting the heart or blood vessels. In general, the examination results may be available within approximately one week after the examination.

If certain conditions are identified based on the Doppler ultrasound results, the doctor may recommend additional examinations to obtain a more complete assessment. The type of follow-up examination will be determined based on the patient’s condition and individual needs.

Doppler Ultrasound at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri to Check Leg Blood Flow

If you experience leg symptoms that may be related to impaired blood flow, a Doppler ultrasound can help doctors evaluate the condition of the blood vessels. This examination may be considered if you experience:

Frequent leg swelling.
Leg pain without an obvious cause.
A feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs when walking.
Discomfort in the legs during activities.
Darkening of the skin on the legs.

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers a Leg Blood Vessel Flow Examination Package, which includes:

Administration.
Doppler ultrasound of both lower limbs.
Consultation with a cardiologist and vascular surgeon.

Package price: IDR 1,998,000

*Price valid until December 31, 2026.

The Doppler ultrasound examination is performed at the outpatient clinic. This package is available for outpatients and cannot be used by patients covered by company guarantees or insurance. It also cannot be combined with bank, credit card, or other promotions.

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The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general reference only and does not represent the full range of medical services that may be provided by individual doctors. To determine the most appropriate treatment based on your health condition, you are advised to consult directly with a doctor.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.