2.4.4. Evaluation of blood flow velocity.
BLOOD
Blood flow velocity will be evaluated using the Bestman Vascular Doppler BV520T. Measurements will be taken through the superior and inferior epigastric arteries, which provide blood flow to the abdominal wall and abdominal muscles. The superior epigastric artery can be found just medial to the midclavicular line, which is an imaginary line that runs vertically down the center of the chest, passing through the midpoint of the clavicle. The artery is located approximately 2 to 3 cm lateral to the xiphoid process, which is the small, cartilaginous protrusion at the bottom of the sternum. To locate the superficial inferior epigastric artery, the ultrasound probe is placed just above the midpoint of a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle. The anterior superior iliac spine is a bony prominence on the front of the hip bone, while the pubic tubercle is a small bony projection located on the pubic bone. The probe is angled inwards towards the midline of the body, and the superficial inferior epigastric artery can be visualized as a small pulsating vessel on the ultrasound screen. After applying ultrasound gel to the measurement area, the probe will be placed at a 30° angle and the measurement will be taken.