Duplex Ultrasonography - Vascular Ultrasonography

Vascular Ultrasonography

Vascular ultrasonography is the main branch of radiology that uses duplex. Vascular ultrasonography, a subspeciality within ultrasonography, helps determine multiple factors within the circulatory system. It can evaluate central (abdominal) and peripheral arteries and veins; it helps determine the amount of vascular stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (complete blockage) within an artery; it assists in ruling out aneurysmal disease; and it is the main aid to rule out thrombotic events. Duplex is an inexpensive, non-invasive way to determine pathology. Duplex evaluation is usually done prior to any invasive testing or surgical procedure. Ultrasound duplex scanning can provide additional information that may guide therapeutic decisions. The location and severity of arterial narrowings and occlusions can be identified. The vascular technologist can map disease in lower-extremity segments with great accuracy — though duplex scanning is more time-consuming than other lower-extremity arterial studies.