I have a few varicose veins on my legs, which I'd like to have removed. My doctor suggested I might have a venous reflux exam, as well. I already know I have varicose veins, so why would I need an exam? Also, how are the venous exams performed?
Before treating any varicose veins it is prudent to have a venous reflux exam. This ultrasound give significant information on the anatomy. possible cause of the veins and helps to formulate a plan of treatment. The exam is performed in a standing position by either the physician or technician(preferably an RVT) using an ultrasound and is completely noninvasive and painless.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is important to find out where the problems are in veins throughout the legs including the veins you cannot see. Often, the most important problems with the veins are in the veins in the deeper fatty tissues and sometimes in the muscle. the venous color duplex ultrasound exam is performed to evaluate for failure of valves in the veins causing venous reflux or for causes of obstruction in the veins.
The venous color duplex ultrasound exam is performed with an ultrasound machine while the examiner makes images of the veins and evaluates blood flow. The soft tissues of the leg are squeezed gently during the exam to stimulate venous blood flow.This is a simple painless exam that take about half of an hour.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is important to confirm if you have reflux at the junction of the greater saphenous vein and the femoral vein. However what is more important is to delineate the anatomy and function of your veins. That will allow to plan the treatment and tailor it to your own situation. The exam is easy to tolerate. Just an ultrasoundof the legs.It takes 20-30min and is painless. Results are known immediately if the exam is done by the treating physician. Might take longer if is done by a technologist and then needs to be interpreted by a third person.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is important to find out where the problems are in veins throughout the legs including the veins you cannot see. Often, the most important problems with the veins are in the veins in the deeper fatty tissues and sometimes in the muscle. the venous color duplex ultrasound exam is performed to evaluate for failure of valves in the veins causing venous reflux or for casues of obstruction in the veins.
The venous color duplex ultrasound exam is performed with an ultrasound machine while the examiner makes images of the veins and evalates blood flow. The soft tissues of the leg are squeezed gently during the exam to stimulate venous blood flow.This is not a painful exam and involves no needles.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend getting an ultrasound "reflux" exam. This will find out the cause of the problem. Unless the cause is treated, the problem will continue. When looking for reflux, the venous exam should be performed standing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous reflux exam/mapping of leg veins, by use of doppler and color
flow duplex ultrasound, is indicated when:
There is obvious bulging varicose veins.
When the distribution and pattern of cluster/clusters of spider veins
suggest existence of possible underlying reflux in larger veins (even
in the absence of visible varicose veins), when there is leg pain or
edema or burning sensation worsened by prolonged standing or walking.
Itching in area of vein clusters, or leg cramps specially in existence
of varicose veins or evidence of high venous pressure (changes in the
skin color or texture of ankles), and lower calf or ankle ulcers.
Or when deep vein disease (clot or insufficiency) is suspected,
specially if Pulmonary Embolism is among the differential diagnosis.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I perform a venous reflux exam on all patients that I suspect clinically
to have venous insufficiency. It is an ultrasound exam that maps the
veins in the legs. They are necessary to plan treatment because they
map out the good veins from the bad (refluxing) veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What your doctor was referring to is a venous duplex ultrasound, it is an ultrasound of your saphenous vein system. If your saphenous veins are refluxing-the blood is not flowing in an upward direction and is pooling-that is when you get varicose veins, the bulging veins on the surface of your legs. This ultrasound helps to determine which procedure
you need and whether or not it is cosmetic or medically necessary. We have a registered vascular technologist that does these types of ultrasounds in our clinic.
Published on Jul 11, 2012