Diagnosing varicose leg veins the right way

Ultrasound imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of varicose veins in the legs, sometimes referred to as venous insufficiency. This procedure provides detailed, anatomical images and information about the venous system in a safe, non-invasive way. It also does not require dye or radiation like other imaging, such as a CT scans.

Before a vein-treatment plan is in place, your doctor will get ultrasound images to determine the blood circulation function in your veins. This is performed in the office, typically on the same visit so you don’t have to worry about taking more time to drive to an imaging facility.

Let’s look at several reasons why an ultrasound is useful:

1. Ultrasound scans give a visualization of the venous structures, which allows a vein specialist to directly observe and assess the veins without the need for invasive procedures. For example, the painful bulging vein on your calf may have developed because of an abnormal vein higher up in the thigh, and to see this, you need an ultrasound.
2. These real-time images enable the identification of reflux (abnormal vein flow), obstruction or other abnormalities that can cause varicose veins.
3. Ultrasound provides details of blood-flow parameters, such as velocity, volume and direction. This data is used to evaluate the severity of venous insufficiency and monitor changes over time.
4. Once a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is determined, the vein specialist also will use ultrasound imaging as a guide while performing treatments, such as laser ablation (EVLT) or sclerotherapy.
5. Finally, ultrasound imaging allows for treatment effectiveness to be monitored.

Thanks to ultrasound imaging, vein treatments performed in a dedicated vein center by a board-certified vein specialist are minimally invasive and virtually painless. The pain, swelling and cramping that come with vein issues can negatively affect your quality of life, so don’t live with vein disease any longer. With ultrasound imaging, today’s treatments for venous insufficiency are quick, safe and successful!