Duplex ultrasound combines two complementary technologies: B-mode ultrasound imaging that produces real-time anatomical pictures of the vessels, and Doppler ultrasound that measures the velocity and direction of blood flow within them. This combination makes it the most accurate, non-invasive, radiation-free investigation available for diagnosing venous and arterial disease.
What Can Venous Duplex Reveal?
- Varicose vein mapping: Identifies which specific veins are incompetent, the location and extent of reflux, and the source of the venous leak — essential for planning laser or sclerotherapy treatment
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Directly visualizes the thrombus inside the vein with high accuracy — the primary diagnostic test
- Chronic venous insufficiency staging: Assesses valve function and degree of reflux
- Post-treatment assessment: Confirms complete vein closure after laser ablation or sclerotherapy
Arterial Duplex Applications
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement for PAD diagnosis
- Carotid artery stenosis assessment
- Surveillance of post-operative bypass grafts and endovascular interventions
- Dialysis fistula assessment
What Happens During the Examination?
- The patient lies on the examination couch — sometimes asked to stand to demonstrate venous reflux
- Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin for good contact
- The probe is moved systematically along the leg from groin to ankle
- Colour flow Doppler maps the direction and velocity of blood flow in real-time
- A complete bilateral venous study takes approximately 30–40 minutes
- Results are available immediately
✅ No Preparation Required
No fasting, no contrast injections, no radiation. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to both legs. The examination is entirely painless and has no side effects.
Accuracy and Importance
Venous duplex ultrasound performed by a specialist vascular physician has a sensitivity and specificity exceeding 95% for DVT diagnosis and is superior to clinical examination alone. Without it, treatment plans for varicose veins risk being incomplete or incorrectly targeted — leading to treatment failure or recurrence.
⚠️ Who Performs the Scan Matters
The quality of venous Duplex is heavily operator-dependent. Dr. Haggag performs and personally interprets all Duplex studies at the time of consultation — ensuring immediate, accurate diagnosis and same-session treatment planning.
Need a Venous Duplex Ultrasound?
Book your appointment with Dr. Mohamed Haggag for an expert venous Duplex assessment with immediate results and a clear treatment plan
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