Smartdop
®
30EX
Basic Operation
2.
WAVEFORM PATTERN ANALYSIS
2-1
DOPPLER ARTERIAL WAVEFORMS
The Doppler arterial waveforms obtained from the lower extremity may be classified into six
categories as an aid in interpretation.
TYPE
TYPICAL WAVEFORM
FINDINGS
0
The contour exhibits a steeply rising upslope at the onset of systole,
rapid systolic downslope, and reverse flow (below baseline). Dop
-
pler sounds are loud and sharp. Normal peak forward velocity = 30
+/- 10 cm at the dorsalis pedis artery.
I
The contour demonstrates a strong but diminished systolic compo-
nent and loss of reverse flow. The width of systolic pulse is broad
-
ened. The Doppler sounds are diminished very little as compared
to the type “O” pattern.
II
The contour shows prolongation of both the upstroke and the down-
stroke and diminished waveform amplitude (flattening). Doppler
sounds are heard during systole and continuing through all or most
of diastole.
III
The contour exhibits slowly rising velocity during systole, and the
amplitude of the waveform is reduced. Doppler sounds are not
sharp even during systole.
IV
The amplitude of the waveform and the Doppler sounds is greatly
reduced.
V
The amplitude of the waveform is extremely reduced. The contour
is hardly recognizable as an arterial blood flow waveform. The
Doppler sounds are very faint.
3
