Arterial Duplex
Arterial Duplex
An arterial duplex is a non-invasive imaging test used to assess the condition of arteries, particularly to check for blockages or narrowing. It combines two techniques:
1. Ultrasound: This uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the blood vessels. The device, called a transducer, emits sound waves that bounce off the blood vessels and are then converted into images on a screen.
2. Doppler: This measures the speed and direction of blood flow through the arteries by detecting changes in the frequency of the sound waves as they bounce off moving red blood cells.
The arterial duplex test helps diagnose conditions such as peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, and deep vein thrombosis. It’s valuable for evaluating blood flow and identifying any abnormalities in the arteries. The procedure is typically quick, painless, and doesn’t involve radiation.