Duplexútskoðun

Duplexútskoðun, often referred to as duplex ultrasound, is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that combines Doppler ultrasound with conventional ultrasound. This dual functionality allows healthcare professionals to visualize the structure of blood vessels and measure the speed and direction of blood flow within them simultaneously. Conventional ultrasound provides cross-sectional images of the blood vessel, revealing its anatomy, size, and any abnormalities such as blockages or narrowing. The Doppler component then assesses the blood flow, detecting both the velocity and the direction of the blood moving through the vessel. This is achieved by emitting sound waves and analyzing the frequency shift of the returning echoes, which is directly proportional to the speed of the blood cells.

The primary applications of duplexútskoðun include the assessment of arterial and venous diseases. It is widely used to diagnose conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery stenosis, and aneurysms. By identifying the presence and severity of these conditions, duplexútskoðun aids in diagnosis, guides treatment decisions, and monitors the effectiveness of interventions. The procedure is generally safe, painless, and does not involve radiation, making it a valuable tool in vascular diagnostics. The results are typically available immediately, allowing for prompt clinical management.