Doppler localisation of intrarenal vessels: an experimental study

The use of the Doppler probe to localise the intrarenal vessels was assessed in 15 dogs. This prevented the need for renal artery clamping and radial nephrotomies were placed in silent areas on the renal surface. Functional studies were performed post-operatively at 48 h and 1 month, using creatinine clearance, microfil casts and cast angiography. There was no significant loss of function when three or six radial nephrotomies were made and the Doppler accurately localised sites for nephrotomy between the intrarenal arteries and veins which were undamaged.