Transcutaneous measurement of blood flow velocity in the human aorta.

A Doppler velocity meter for measuring blood flow velocity in the human aorta is described. Using pulsed ultrasound, this instrument allows the velocity to be measured at selected depths. The instrument has been tested in laboratory experiments, and appears to give accurate estimates of mean flow velocity for both steady and pulsatile flows. Flow velocities and estimates of stroke volume have been obtained from the ascending aorta in 18 patients. It is suggested that at present only relative values for flow and flow velocity can be measured. A method for obtaining absolute values for these parameters, based on scanning in the aortic arch, is proposed.