Time-domain ultrasonography during pregnancy

J Ultrasound Med. 1994 Jun;13(6):457-63. doi: 10.7863/jum.1994.13.6.457.

Abstract

Time-domain ultrasonography is an alternative to Doppler analysis of blood flow direction and velocity. The technique uses timing information between successive echo pulses to measure flow velocities directly through a color display map. Volume flow quantification also can be achieved by combining time-domain methods with M-mode ultrasonography. This report describes our preliminary experiences with fetal vascular imaging by time-domain ultrasonography, compares Doppler peak velocity correlation to time-domain sonography, and examines the in vitro accuracy of time-domain sonography combined with M-mode volume flow measurements. Excellent agreement was found between peak Doppler velocity measurements and time-domain ultrasonography for a variety of maternal and fetal vessels (N = 29). Close volume-flow correlation was observed between a flow pump and time-domain ultrasonography under constant and pulsatile conditions. Time-domain ultrasonography appears to be a useful alternative to Doppler techniques for imaging small fetal vessels and also may provide the basis for accurate volume flow measurements during pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Circulation
  • Blood Flow Velocity / physiology
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetal Blood / physiology*
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Models, Structural
  • Pregnancy
  • Time Factors
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*