Intraoperative use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool that is well established in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery. There are many potential applications of TCD ultrasonographic monitoring in the perioperative care of the patient at risk of cerebral ischemia, the most important of which are detailed in this article. The introduction of TCD ultrasonography has made it possible to monitor intraoperative CBF changes in a continuous, noninvasive manner. Further refinement in the technology will delineate its appropriate use as an intraoperative monitor.