Which technique uses ultrasound to assess blood flow in major arteries and veins?

Doppler ultrasonography is a specialized ultrasound technique that evaluates the flow of blood through major arteries and veins. It employs the Doppler effect to measure the change in frequency of sound waves as they bounce off moving blood cells, enabling healthcare professionals to assess the velocity and direction of blood flow.

This technique is particularly valuable in diagnosing various conditions related to blood flow, such as blockages or abnormalities in blood vessels. Doppler ultrasonography is non-invasive and provides real-time information about circulatory dynamics, which is essential for making informed clinical decisions.

Understanding the purpose of the other techniques helps clarify why they do not apply here. Electrocardiography is focused on measuring the electrical activity of the heart, not blood flow in arteries or veins. Electromyography assesses the electrical activity of skeletal muscles, offering no insight into blood circulation. An arteriogram, while related to blood vessels, involves imaging techniques that provide structural detail rather than direct measurements of flow dynamics.