At present, one of the most modern and informative methods of instrumental diagnostics is triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities. According to statistics, the number of cases of detection of vascular pathologies in patients is increasing every year. Triplex scanning is a method of ultrasound diagnostics that allows you to timely detect the development of the disease, adjust the treatment regimen and prevent the occurrence of all kinds of complications. It is not associated with the appearance of pain and has no contraindications.
The essence of the method
Triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities is the most modern and somewhat modified duplex examination. The essence of the method is as follows: the ultrasound system penetrates into soft tissues, and in the same seconds the image of the studied blood vessel is displayed on the monitor. itcarried out thanks to deterministic frequencies.
In addition, during the study, the doctor gets the opportunity to assess the process of blood circulation in the lower extremities. This is because the Doppler effect can easily change the frequency of ultrasonic waves.
Several years ago, duplex scanning was widely used in practice. However, over time it became clear that this method is not suitable for a full assessment of the state of the bloodstream. To solve this problem, scientists improved the method by adding color coding to it. From now on, the method became known as "triplex scanning". Thanks to the innovation, doctors have the opportunity to assess the blood flow of even the deepest veins. In this case, the images are transmitted to the screen in color format.
Indications
At present, triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities is the most informative method for diagnosing a large number of diseases. The study allows you to identify the development of the pathological process at the earliest stage, so that the doctor gets the opportunity to draw up the most effective therapeutic regimen.
This method is prescribed if the patient has symptoms of thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, varicose veins, angiopathy and other diseases. The following signs are alarming:
- Protruding blood vessels under the skin. They look like dense balls.
- Painful sensations arising from contact with inflamedveins.
- High body temperature.
- Enlarged peripheral lymph nodes.
- General malaise.
- Redness of the skin and soft tissue swelling in the area of the affected vessel.
- Heavy feeling in legs.
- Severe fatigue of the lower extremities in the evenings.
- Muscle cramps.
- Pain when performing motor activity.
The list of indications for triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities can be expanded by the attending physician during an individual conversation with the patient.
What reveals?
Using this method, the following pathologies can be detected in a timely manner:
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Varicose veins.
- Post-thrombophlebitic diseases.
- Atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities.
- Destruction of veins and arteries.
- Angiopathy.
- Vasculitis.
- Venous insufficiency in a chronic form.
- Anomalies in the development of blood vessels.
In addition, triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities is often prescribed after a surgical intervention in order to assess its success. This significantly reduces the risk of complications after surgical treatment.
Preparation
Before the procedure, it is advisable to follow some doctor's recommendations. The method is accurate and highly informative, thanks to which it is possible to obtainfalse or questionable results are virtually impossible. Nevertheless, in order to improve the degree of tissue visibility, somewhat facilitate the work of the doctor and reduce the duration of the examination, it is recommended to follow some rules.
On the eve of the procedure and immediately before it, it is advisable not to smoke. In addition, it is not recommended to drink alcohol-containing drinks, as well as coffee, for 1-2 days. It is advisable not to take medicines, the active components of which affect the tone of blood vessels. These include painkillers, sleeping pills, and sedatives. If it is impossible to cancel the appointment for he alth reasons, you must notify the doctor about this.
Procedure description
Triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities is an absolutely safe diagnostic method that is not associated with the occurrence of pain. The method has no contraindications and age restrictions.
Algorithm for the procedure:
- The patient takes off his clothes, freeing the lower limbs.
- The subject takes the most comfortable position. Most often, the doctor asks him to sit on the couch.
- The specialist treats the patient's skin with a special sterile gel. With the help of this substance, continuous and good contact with ultrasound sensors is ensured.
- The research process begins directly. The doctor fixes the sensors in different areas and examines the resulting images.
- After the procedure is completed, the patient removes the remaining gel with a napkin and dresses.
The duration of the study directly depends on how badly the veins are damaged. In most cases, it does not exceed 1 hour.
Interpreting the conclusion
An angiologist or phlebologist deals with the interpretation of triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities. Normally, the following wording should be indicated in the conclusion:
- The type of blood flow in the great femoral artery is not changed. It is natural and has a trunk type.
- The flow rate of liquid connective tissue in the shin area is 50 centimeters per second. In the region of the artery of the thigh - 1 meter per second.
- Resistance index of large femoral blood vessels - 1 meter per second (not less).
- Gosling index in the arteries of the lower limb - 1.7 meters per second.
- Ankle-brachial score - 0.9 (at least).
- The thickness of the walls of blood vessels is normal.
- No blood clots.
- Pathological refluxes are not observed.
- Relationship between breathing and circulation is normal.
- Vessel walls are elastic, anechoic.
This conclusion of the study is ideal. When any indicator deviates from the norm, it is customary to talk about the development of a pathological process.
Reviews
Currently, both patients and doctors have only good opinions about triplex scanning. This is due to the fact that the method is accurate, painless and allows you to identify any changes in the circulatory system. According to reviews, triplexscanning of the veins of the lower extremities is a modern method that has allowed many people to get rid of any disease in a shorter time or significantly improve its course. This is due to the fact that using the method it is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
In closing
Triplex scanning is prescribed for patients with symptoms of thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, varicose veins, angiopathy and other vascular pathologies. The method allows not only to timely detect the development of the disease, but also to assess the success of the treatment. The method is absolutely safe and has no contraindications.
