Duplex

Duplex is a term used in medicine and medical imaging to describe a type of ultrasound that combines traditional ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound. This combination allows physicians to view both the structure of an organ and the flow of blood or other fluids through it.

Overview

Traditional ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off organs and tissues to create a picture, or sonogram, of the area. Doppler ultrasound, on the other hand, measures changes in the frequency of the sound waves as they bounce off moving objects, such as blood cells, to estimate their speed and direction. This is known as the Doppler effect.

A duplex ultrasound combines these two types of ultrasound to create a more detailed image. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions that affect the blood vessels, such as blood clots or arteriosclerosis.

Procedure

During a duplex ultrasound, a handheld device called a transducer is passed over the skin above the area to be examined. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the organs and blood cells in the area. These sound waves are then picked up by the transducer and turned into images by a computer.

The procedure is generally painless and can be performed in a doctor's office or a hospital. It does not use radiation, and there are no known risks associated with it.

Uses

Duplex ultrasound can be used to examine many different parts of the body, including the:

• Heart
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Blood vessels

It can help diagnose a number of conditions, including:

• Blood clots
• Arteriosclerosis
• Venous insufficiency
• Aneurysms
• Carotid artery disease

See also

• Ultrasound
• Doppler ultrasound
• Medical imaging

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