The triplex of veins and arteries is a modern method for the imaging and dynamic study of the vessels of the body. The triplex of veins – arteries controls the presence of atherosclerotic lesions and stenoses in the arteries and diagnoses venous insufficiency of the lower extremities (varicose veins).
How is the test done?
First the subject is placed in a supine position and then a clear gel is applied to the skin over the area to be examined to allow free movement over the surface of the skin. It is common for noise to be heard during the test from the machine, which is due to the normal signal that the flowing blood is converted into sound.
Vein Triplex: The triplex of the veins evaluates the vessel of the legs for blood clots or varicose veins. It involves controlling blood flow and any part of the vein can be compressed by the ultrasound. The foot can be gently compressed to ensure that there is blood flow. One or both legs can be scanned.
Artery Triplex: Artery triplex assesses blood flow to the main arteries of the leg to look for narrowed areas.
The aorta and pelvic arteries can also be evaluated.
What is the role of veins and arteries?
With the heartbeat, blood is pumped through a system of blood vessels, called the circulatory system. Vessels are elastic tubes that carry blood from every part of the body to the heart. The arteries carry blood away from the heart. Vascular disease includes any condition that affects the circulatory system, such as peripheral artery disease. This ranges from diseases of the arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation.
• Peripheral arterial disease. Like the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries), the peripheral arteries (blood vessels outside your heart) can also develop atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat and cholesterol called plaque on the inner layers of their walls. Over time, the narrowed artery causes less blood flow and can lead to ischemia. Ischemia is the insufficient blood flow in an area of the body.
• Venous disease. The veins are flexible, hollow tubes with fins inside, called valves. When muscles contract, the valves open and blood moves through the veins. When the muscles relax, the valves close, keeping the blood flowing in one direction through the veins. If the valves inside the veins are damaged, the valves may not close completely. This allows blood to flow in both directions.When the muscles relax, the valves inside the veins will not be able to hold the blood. This can cause blood to collect in the veins. The veins swell and become visible under the skin. Blood begins to move more slowly through the veins, may stick to the sides of the vessel walls, and blood clots may form.
What is the preparation for the vein-artery triplex?
No preparation is required for the test.