Varicose Vein Ultrasound

Vein ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that is used to visualize vessel structure and blood flow in the veins, usually in the legs. Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. Ultrasound equipment typically consists of a monitor where the image is displayed in real-time, and a transducer (a wand) that is placed directly on the skin over the area being investigated. With the help of ultrasound gel, high-frequency sound waves travel from the transducer into the body, and then bounce back to the transducer. The ultrasound equipment uses the sound waves to create an image.

Vein Screening in Los Angeles

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If your doctor suspects varicose veins or venous insufficiency, vein ultrasound can be used to examine your vascular system and identify the root cause of your disease. Swelling, leg pain, and visible signs of vein problems are common indications for vein ultrasound, and if your history is consistent with vein disease, then an ultrasound study is the least invasive and most cost-effective way to confirm your diagnosis.

During a vein ultrasound study, your sonographer is looking for obstructions and evidence of abnormal blood flow. Most cases of vein disease are caused by a physiological phenomenon known as venous reflux. Venous reflux occurs when vein damage causes blood to flow in the wrong direction and pool in the vein, which is why varicose veins often bulge from the surface of the leg. Obstructions, such as blood clots, can cause similar issues. By pinpointing the source of obstruction or venous reflux, your vein specialist can then develop a plan to treat the problem vein, and restore healthy blood flow to your leg.

Even if your vein specialist doesn’t identify any evidence of vein disease, it can still be useful to definitively rule out vein problems, and to potentially identify other vascular conditions.

Vein ultrasound is 100% safe and generally painless. An ultrasound study typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. There are no special preparations required for a leg ultrasound, however, you may be standing for a significant portion of the study, and the sonographer will need to access the various parts of your legs for a comprehensive exam. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for this reason, and you may be required to change into a gown during your appointment.

The sonographer will start by applying a clear water-based gel to your leg, after which the sonographer will place the vein ultrasound transducer against your skin at various locations along your leg. Be sure to share with your sonographer if you have any bruising or tenderness along your leg so that they can be more gentle when examining those regions. During the exam, the sonographer may make note of specific features that they’re seeing on the ultrasound monitor.

At the conclusion of the exam, the sonographer will wipe off the gel. If you changed into a gown, you will be asked to dress while the images are reviewed. Your vein specialist will analyze the images while you wait and share the results with you, and will likely discuss treatment options if relevant.

Ultrasound is the gold standard method for identifying vein disease. A vein specialist or a trained vein sonographer can often detect the specific location of vein disease, and also determine its extent and severity. For all of these reasons, a vein ultrasound can be very insightful for you and for your doctor, and is an essential step in treating varicose veins and other vein conditions. Get in touch with us at ProVascularMD to learn more about your veins and your options.

Vein Screening in Los Angeles

See a Vein Specialist