The carotid arteries supply the brain with blood. How well this flow works can be assessed using duplex sonography, which provides structural and functional information. The duplex examination should be distinguished from Carotid Doppler, which exclusively measures blood flow.
Duplex sonography is an ultrasound procedure that visualises both the vascular structure and blood flow. It combines a normal ultrasound image with a Doppler measurement, which records the direction and speed of blood flow. The examination takes only a few minutes. It is pain-free and can be repeated as often as necessary. The procedure is straightforward. You lie down, the doctor applies a special ultrasound gel, and then scans your neck vessels.
Duplex sonography is used for the diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring of carotid stenoses, plaques and cerebrovascular diseases. It allows for the determination of vascular parameters, which can then be assessed using age- and sex-dependent reference ranges, such as a mean diameter of the common carotid artery of around 6.3 to 6.7 mm in men or 5.7 to 6.4 mm in women.
Duplex ultrasonography of the cervical vessels is primarily used for screening for arteriosclerosis, arterial hypertension, and stroke. It can provide indications of the following changes, among others:
Duplex sonography enables changes to be classified at an early stage and individual risk profiles to be assessed precisely. It therefore contributes significantly to making informed therapeutic decisions and reliably monitoring the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
No special preparation is required for this examination. You do not need to come to Duplex in Munich on an empty stomach, nor do you need to stop taking any medication. We only ask you to remove any jewellery and clothing in the neck area.
The duplex sonography is performed in a comfortable lying position on the examination couch. For optimal sound transmission between the skin and the ultrasound probe, a cool, water-soluble gel is applied to the examination area. The doctor then moves the probe along both sides of your neck. You should lie still and not speak during this procedure.
First, a high-resolution B-mode image is generated, a two-dimensional greyscale image that displays the structure of the vessel walls in detail. The examination is then supplemented by colour duplex sonography, which visualises the blood flow in colour. This allows the direction, speed, and possible turbulence of the blood to be assessed immediately.
Finally, the gel is wiped off. The duplex sonography causes no pain and is usually completed within five minutes.
Doppler ultrasound is considered one of the safest diagnostic procedures in modern medicine. It works exclusively with ultrasound waves. There is no ionising radiation, which is why the examination is completely harmless.
No significant risks or complications are known. The procedure is non-invasive, meaning the skin barrier remains intact. Furthermore, duplex sonography does not require contrast agents, which eliminates typical side effects such as allergic reactions, infections, and bleeding at the puncture site. The only sensations are the coolness of the contact gel and the slight pressure from the transducer.
Due to its high safety, duplex sonography is also suitable for children, pregnant women and patients at risk, for whom other forms of vascular diagnostics are not an option.
As the examination does not put a strain on the body, no aftercare is necessary. You may drive, go to work, or do sports immediately. As a rule, the doctor can tell you whether the blood flow is normal or if there are any constrictions during or immediately after the duplex sonography.
Following the discussion of the findings, we will initiate the necessary treatment immediately if required. If your clinical picture necessitates further investigation or surgical intervention, we will refer you to a specialist angiology practice or a vascular centre.
Duplex sonography offers you maximum safety and clarity of your neck vessels, entirely without pain or risks. Use this gentle method for early detection. Book your personal preventative appointment at our practice on Promenadeplatz now.
Allow approximately 15 to 20 minutes for measuring both sides, including the discussion.
Duplex sonography is considered very reliable. It detects carotid stenoses with high accuracy and is the standard method in non-invasive vascular diagnostics.
