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Ultrasound vascular catheters designed to determine blood-flow velocity by measuring the ultrasound frequency shift between the transmitted and reflected signals (i.e., Doppler principle). These catheters typically consist of a 3 to 8 Fr tube with a ceramic crystal that is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals (20 MHz frequency is typical) and is attached at or near the distal tip. Two wires attached to the crystal are connected at the proximal end to a Doppler blood flowmeter. These catheters usually include an infusion lumen and/or an additional lumen for a guide wire. Doppler ultrasound catheters are used mainly to measure coronary hemodynamics (e.g., blood mean and peak velocity) during coronary catheterization.
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