Duplex scanning of vessels

Duplex scanning of vessels is a research method combining Doppler scanning (ultrasound) and traditional ultrasound. This diagnostic method allows the doctor to see the structure of the vascular system. Ultrasonic visualization in the present-day mode makes it possible to obtain an assessment of the state of the vascular wall, to analyze the blood flow at a particular point of the lumen. Duplex scanning of vessels, as a rule, lasts from thirty to forty five minutes.

Accessibility and accuracy of this research method are increased using color coded signals. Thus, the speed and direction of blood flow are determined. Duplex scanning of vessels and nearby tissues in B-mode is applied. Simultaneously, the blood flow in the vascular lumen is investigated using the Doppler effect through color coding or spectral analysis. The result can be both a color map reflecting the flow, and the Doppler spectrum. The cartogram is a "cast" from the vascular lumen. According to him angioneurologist can easily determine the presence of any deviation from the normal course (deformation, tortuosity, etc.). Revealed and changes from the vascular lumen (blood clots, plaques, etc.). The Doppler spectrum is characterized by the flow distribution, when using the calculation of some additional indices it becomes possible to more accurately assess the nature of the pathology.

Duplex scanning of vessels allows specialists to evaluate and visualize the blood flow in most parts of the vascular system. The study succumbs to both major trunk and small subcutaneous (subcutaneous) and organ blood branches.

In large vessels, it is possible to visualize absolutely any changes in the vessel wall already at the initial stages of pathology development, for example, with diabetic angiopathy, non-stenosing atherosclerosis. There are no special difficulties and diagnostics of lesions associated with various intraluminal disorders and changes (thrombi, atherosclerotic plaques), which impair the patency. Obtaining a visual picture allows you to diagnose with high accuracy and reliability. This, in turn, contributes to the correct choice of therapeutic tactics, the rationale for the need for surgical intervention.

In the study of small vessels, including distal sections in peripheral veins and arteries, due to the small thickness of the vessel wall, the peculiarities of the vascular orientation, visualization is of rather low quality. As a result, a reliable estimate of the changes in the walls and lumens is practically impossible. In this connection, in the study of the conditions of small-caliber vessels, the leading role is played by the data of the Doppler regimes, spectral and color. With the help of color mode, the object can be localized, due to the visualization effect in its lumen, and also to assess the location in accordance with anatomical features and to reveal deformations.

Duplex scanning of the vessels of the head and neck allows you to get a two-dimensional picture with clear and detailed information about the blood flow. This study provides an opportunity to see two vascular planes. Duplex scanning of the vessels of the neck is used in the diagnosis of occlusive-stenotic pathologies of carotid arteries (cerebral blood supply disorder).

There are several directions for the above study. The most common are

- DS of the BCA (study of brachiocephalic arteries) or DC MAG (scanning of the main arteries in the head);

- TKDS (transcranial examination);

- duplex scanning of veins and arteries of extremities, eyeball and others.