Doppler methods for quantitative measurement and localization of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by analysis of the blood flow velocity waveform

Errors concerned with the use of continuous wave Doppler ultrasound for the quantitative assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by analysis of the blood flow velocity waveform are briefly examined. It is shown that, while some of the simpler signal processing techniques are inadequate, techniques such as real-time frequency analysis of the Doppler signal can yield information of quantitative value. A new multifilter system is described that yields the instantaneous maximum velocity waveform. From the results of preliminary patient studies using this system, it is concluded that clinically significant peripheral arterial disease can be quantified and regionally localized.