Doppler ultrasound flow detector used in temporal artery biopsy

A doppler ultrasound flow detector can be helpful in performing a temporal artery biopsy. The anatomical location of the arteries can be traced on each side of the patient's head during the preoperative stage, and the flow pattern can be compared with the findings on simple palpation. Selection of a vessel for biopsy may thus be influenced. The detector can also be used under sterile conditions to locate the artery when the injection of local anesthesia has made palpation more difficult, thereby facilitating dissection of an adequate specimen.