Hemodynamic evaluation of the female pelvic vessels using a high-frequency transvaginal image-directed Doppler system.
Perfusion characteristics of the female pelvic vessels were studied by a high-frequency transvaginal image-directed Doppler system. A 5-MHz Doppler transducer was coupled to a 6.5-MHz probe especially designed for intravaginal use. Distinct patterns of flow velocity waveforms were obtained from the ascending branch of the uterine artery, before and during pregnancy. A gradual increase in diastolic flow throughout gestation was observed, consistent with a decrease in vessel resistance. Flow velocity profiles in the ovarian artery were sampled from the infundibulo-pelvic ligament. Only limited diastolic flow could be detected in either ovary during the follicular phase of the cycle. In the luteal phase there was a marked increase in this flow but only in the ovary containing the corpus luteum. In early pregnancy the high diastolic flow was maintained or even increased, consistent with a low arterial resistance. High image resolution and a higher frequency Doppler transducer increase the usefulness of this technique in the hemodynamic evaluation of the female pelvic vessels.
Thaler
I
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology A, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Manor
D
D
Rottem
S
S
Timor-Tritsch
I E
IE
Brandes
J M
JM
Itskovitz
J
J
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010388:Pelvis / Q000098:blood supply*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D014160:Transducers, Pressure; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina