Doppler colour flow mapping: technology in search of an application?

Although Doppler colour flow mapping may considerably reduce the need for conventional pulsed Doppler examination, quantitative flow measurements (particularly by continuous wave Doppler) are still essential in the evaluation of many conditions such as aortic stenosis. Doppler colour flow mapping is an important addition to the accurate non-invasive evaluation of several haemodynamic disorders of the heart and, as the technology improves, the range of applications will undoubtedly increase. Any technique that provides additional diagnostic information, makes an examination easier and quicker to perform, and at the same time provides data in a more comprehensible format has surely found a niche.