Which statement about pulsed wave Doppler is incorrect?

The correct choice is that the beam is continuously transmitted. In pulsed wave Doppler, the ultrasound beam is not continuously transmitted; instead, it is sent in short bursts or pulses. This technique allows for the measurement of blood flow velocities at specific depths, which is essential for assessing hemodynamics in various vascular conditions.

Pulsed wave Doppler provides a measure of blood velocity by emitting ultrasound waves at intervals and then listening for the reflected waves. The intermittent reception based on vessel depth is fundamental to its operation, as it enables practitioners to focus on specific areas of interest within the vessel. This characteristic also allows for better resolution of flow dynamics, particularly important in regions where blood flow may vary significantly from one segment to another.

Using pulsed wave Doppler is critical in vascular assessments as it effectively measures the velocity of blood flow, which can inform clinical decisions regarding the management of vascular disease. Thus, the nature of how the signal is transmitted is key to understanding the mechanics behind pulsed wave Doppler and why the continuous transmission of the beam does not apply in this context.