Ultrasound of blood vessels: what is this procedure, types, how to prepare for it

To determine what state the blood vessels are in, ultrasound is used. To do this, special equipment with a Doppler effect is used. It shows the state of the walls of the vessels, how the blood moves. The doctor diagnoses the size of the vessels, their shape, tortuosity, checks whether there are neoplasms, cholesterol deposits. With the help of this procedure determine whether there is aortic arrhythmia, varicosis, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis and other pathologies.

How is the ultrasound of blood vessels

The device produces an image of the vessels, using the reflection of sound waves. Also, ultrasound machines for blood vessels show in which direction the blood flow is moving, how filled the vessel is, how blood is supplied to the tissues.

Special preparation is required only for the examination of blood vessels located in the abdominal cavity:

• The patient adheres to a diet that reduces the formation of gas in the intestine. He also perseveres with sorbents.
• Before the procedure, it is forbidden to take alcohol, invigorating drinks with caffeine.
• With the permission of the doctor, drugs that affect the blood vessels are canceled. This may also apply to the preparation for the examination of the vessels of the neck and brain. Individual recommendations before the examination will be given by the doctor.
• Before the scan, he takes a shower. No cream is applied to the skin in the area of the examination.

For the diagnosis of leg vessels, special preparation and diet is not required. At the appointment it is better to wear clothes that are easy to remove. If there are decorative chains bracelets on the legs, they are removed.

A special gel is applied to the examination area. The doctor-sonologist moves the sensor along this area, and the image appears on the screen. After examination, the specialist draws up a protocol describing the ultrasound and indicates the indicators of the vessels.

Types of ultrasound of vessels

Such types of vascular research are available:

• Ultrasound Dopplerography shows a two-dimensional image of the vessels.
• Ultrasonic duplex scanning shows the tone and lumen of the vessel walls, whether there are formations in them, what is the process of blood flow.
• Color Doppler scanning involves the use of ultrasound and a program. During the procedure, the vessel is colored according to where the blood flow is directed and at what speed it moves. So you can assess its fullness, areas where blood flow is absent or increased.
• Triplex ultrasound of vessels combines all three types of ultrasound studies. This is the most informative examination of arteries and veins.

With the help of ultrasound, you can check the characteristics of the smallest vessels in the eyes. Determine the condition of the veins of the legs and arms, pelvic vessels, internal organs. With the help of ultrasound, the vessels of the heart are examined. The procedure also allows you to scan the embryo with a duplex method. Ultrasound of vessels reveals the causes of various discomforting conditions and manifestations: tinnitus, decreased concentration, memory impairment and increased anxiety. Thanks to such a study, the doctor determines the type of pathology. This helps him to prescribe a suitable treatment.