First steps in the development of the Doppler flowmeter.
The ultrasonic Doppler method was originated by Satomura with the aim to measure small vibrations in 1956. He proposed to use this technique to asses the heart motion. In response to his proposal, Yoshida and Nimura demonstrated, with his cooperation, that this method enabled them to asses the motion of the walls and valves of the heart. The first clinical application of the transcutaneous noninvasive Doppler flowmeter was developed in 1958 by Satomura and Kaneko along with their colleagues. The first equipment, recording system, and commercial Doppler flowmeter are described. Satomura's conclusion that the Doppler signal is produced by turbulent flow and Kaneko's naming the first Doppler flowmeter the ultrasonic blood rheograph are explained.
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D012212:Rheology / Q000266:history*; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000266:history*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000266:history*