Vascular Ultrasound Systems and Doppler in Cardiology

Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method for assessing the morphology and hemodynamics of arteries and veins. Duplex and triplex scanning combine B-mode with Doppler assessment of blood flow velocity.

Vascular Ultrasound Methods

Modern vascular protocols include:

• Duplex scanning: B-mode + color Doppler, visualizing the vessel wall and flow;
• Triplex scanning: B-mode + color Doppler + spectral Doppler, quantifying velocity;
• Power Doppler: increased sensitivity to slow flow, without directional information;
• B-Flow (GE): display of blood flow without Doppler artifacts, at high resolution.

Criteria for Assessing Carotid Stenosis

Ultrasound criteria for stenosis grading according to NASCET:

Choosing an Ultrasound System for a Vascular Laboratory

Key features of a system for vascular examinations:

• A 5–12 MHz linear transducer for superficial vessels (carotid, peripheral);
• A 2–5 MHz convex transducer for the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries;
• Automatic calculation of the ABI (ankle-brachial index);
• Automatic measurement of IMT (intima-media thickness);
• Elastography software for characterizing plaque;
• Integration with PACS and the cardiology information system.

Conclusion

A vascular ultrasound system is one of the most sought-after investments for a cardiology clinic. KombiMED selects the optimal configuration based on the clinic's profile, examination volume and budget.