Contrast-free blood flow velocity profile measurement with ultrasound in real-time

In clinical practice, ultrasound is frequently used as a non-invasive method to estimate geometric properties of large arteries such as diameter and intima-media wall thickness and in a separate Doppler measurement hemodynamic variables such as blood velocity. For the purpose of deducing biomechanical parameters and hemodynamic variables that are related to the development of Cardiovascular Disease, such as compliance and vascular impedance, the assessment of only geometry and blood velocity is not sufficient. A simultaneous and non-invasive assessment of blood flow and blood pressure is required. This can only be obtained by an accurate and simultaneous measurement of the blood velocity distribution and wall motion, which is not feasible with the commonly used Doppler technique.Copyright © 2011 by ASME