New technology in echocardiography I: Doppler techniques

Abstract

Ultrasonic technology is in several ways ideally suited to cardiac research and to routine clinical examinations. It provides truly real time images and detailed information on moving anatomical structures and blood. The portable nature and relatively low cost of the equipment makes it well suited to use in hospitals. Ultrasonic technology for cardiology is still developing and in recent years this is occurring on diverse fronts such as transoesophageal transducers, catheter transducers, contrast agents, and Doppler imaging. The aim of this review is to assist the clinical user in keeping abreast of the technological advances.