Currently, one of the most modern and informative methods of instrumental diagnostics is triplex scanning of veins of the lower extremities. According to statistics, the number of cases of detection of vascular pathologies in patients increases annually. Triplex scanning is an ultrasound diagnostic method that allows you to timely identify 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 painful sensations and has no contraindications.
The essence of the method
Triplex vein scanning 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 the soft tissues, and at the same seconds the image of the investigated blood vessel is displayed on the monitor. This is due to deterministic frequencies.
In addition, during the study, the doctor gets the opportunity to evaluate the blood circulation of the lower extremities. This is due to the fact that with the help of the Doppler effect, the frequency of ultrasonic waves can be easily changed.
A few 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 began to be called "triplex scanning." Thanks to the innovation, doctors now have the opportunity to evaluate 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 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 an early 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 symptoms are alarming:
- Protruding blood vessels under the skin. They have the appearance of dense balls.
- Painful sensations arising from contact with inflamed veins.
- High body temperature.
- Enlarged peripheral lymph nodes.
- General malaise.
- Redness of the skin and swelling of soft tissues in the area of the affected vessel.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Great tiredness of the lower extremities in the evenings.
- Muscle cramps.
- Painful sensations when committing 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 allows you to identify?
Using this method, the following pathologies can be detected in a timely manner:
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Phlebeurysm.
- Diseases of post-thrombophlebitic nature.
- Atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities.
- Destruction of veins and arteries.
- Angiopathy.
- Vasculitis.
- Chronic venous insufficiency.
- Anomalies in the development of blood vessels.
In addition, triplex scanning of veins of the lower extremities is often prescribed after surgery to evaluate its success. Due to this, the risk of complications after surgical treatment is significantly reduced.
Training
Before the procedure, it is advisable to follow some doctor's recommendations. The method is accurate and highly informative, making it almost impossible to obtain false or questionable results. 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 observe some rules.
On the eve of the procedure and immediately before it, it is advisable not to smoke. In addition, for 1-2 days it is not recommended to drink alcohol-containing drinks, as well as coffee. It is advisable not to take medications whose active components affect the tone of the blood vessels. These include painkillers, sleeping pills, and sedatives. If it is impossible to cancel the reception for health reasons, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this.
Description of procedure
Triplex vein scanning of the lower extremities is an absolutely safe diagnostic method, not associated with the onset of pain. The method has no contraindications and age restrictions.
The algorithm of the procedure:
- The patient takes off his clothes, freeing the lower limbs.
- The subject takes the most convenient position. Most often, the doctor asks him to sit on a couch.
- The specialist treats the skin of the patient 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 various areas and examines the resulting image.
- After completion of the procedure, the patient removes the remains of the gel with a napkin and dresses.
The duration of the study directly depends on how badly damaged veins are. In most cases, it does not exceed 1 hour.
Interpretation of Opinion
Decryption of triplex scanning of veins of the lower extremities is carried out by an angiologist or phlebologist. Normally, the following wording should be indicated in the conclusion:
- The type of blood flow in the large femoral artery is not changed. It is natural and has a trunk type.
- The flow rate of fluid connective tissue in the lower leg is 50 centimeters per second. In the area of the femoral artery - 1 meter per second.
- The resistance index of large femoral blood vessels is 1 meter per second (not less).
- The Gosling index in the arteries of the lower extremity is 1.7 meters per second.
- Ankle-brachial indicator - 0.9 (not less).
- The thickness of the walls of the blood vessels is normal.
- There are no blood clots.
- Pathological refluxes are not observed.
- The relationship of respiration and blood circulation is normal.
- The walls of the vessels are elastic, anechogenic.
This conclusion of the study is ideal. If any indicator deviates from the norm, it is customary to talk about the development of a pathological process.
Reviews
Currently, there are only good opinions about triplex scanning in both patients and doctors. 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, triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities is a modern method that has allowed many people to get rid of a disease or significantly improve its course in a shorter time. This is due to the fact that using the method it is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
Finally
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 identify the development of the disease, but also to evaluate the success of the treatment. The method is absolutely safe and has no contraindications.