The ultrasound Τriplex is an extremely useful test that combines the information of conventional ultrasound imaging of a vessel and the information of examining the flow in the vessel with Doppler. Also with this test the doctor sees how the blood flows in the vessel and measures the speed of flow. In this way he can check the course of the vessel, calculate its size and the degree of stenosis, if any. Doppler ultrasound measures how sound waves are reflected off moving objects, in this case red blood cells, and sends the information to a computer, which produces colour images showing the flow and certain changes in the blood vessels.
In this way the doctor can assess:
– The course of the vessel and its size
– The existence or not of stenosis or obstruction of the vascular lumen
– The changes that the blood flow undergoes due to the constrictions
The most common cases where the doctor will refer you for a vascular check are:
– Control after transient ischaemic attack
– Check up when there are predisposing factors for coronary heart disease
– Arterial hypertension
– Diabetes mellitus
– Intermittent claudication
– Varicose veins of lower limbs
– Venous thrombosis
– Pulmonary embolism
– Symptoms such as swelling of the lower limbs, night cramps, heavy legs, gastrocnemius pain, fever of unknown origin, skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation of the lower limbs, skin ulcers.
– Preventive measures in pregnancy
Examinationprocedure
The examination usually does not require any special preparation, except in the case of an abdominal examination where a diet may be requested, and is completely harmless and painless. Its duration depends on the points that the doctor needs to check. The patient is usually in a supine position, with the doctor applying a special gel to the area to be examined to help spread the ultrasound from the ultrasound probe. Through this device, images and information are sent to the computer screen and the doctor draws conclusions. At the end of the examination, the examinee can leave immediately and return to his normal schedule.