What exactly is vein mapping? How do I know where the problematic vein originated from?

I have a green/blue reticular vein inside my thigh. It loops sideways. I can see it clearly, and it feels smooth under the skin surface. I've been rated a 2 and am asymptomatic. Is there a way to find out where the reticular vein originated from? Also, what exactly is vein mapping? Will sclerotherapy work temporarily?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 04, 2018

Many people have noticeable blue/green veins. Mostly this is inherited. If you are asymptomatic there is no reason for intervention. However, if this bothers you cosmetically try an evaluation by a Board Certified Vascular trained surgeon and it may include ultrasound. There is little reason to do a full leg mapping which is done at many centers. I would check for an underlying reflux in this area which may need to be addressed. However, mostly, this vein could be injected with good results. This would not be covered by insurance.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Many people have noticeable blue/green veins. Mostly this is inherited. If you are asymptomatic there is no reason for intervention. However, if this bothers you cosmetically try an evaluation by a Board Certified Vascular trained surgeon and it may include ultrasound. There is little reason to do a full leg mapping which is done at many centers. I would check for an underlying reflux in this area which may need to be addressed. However, mostly, this vein could be injected with good results. This would not be covered by insurance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Metro Vein Centers

Published on Jan 04, 2018

Vein mapping is an ultrasound which shows the anatomy of the veins.

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Answered by Metro Vein Centers

Vein mapping is an ultrasound which shows the anatomy of the veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Dec 31, 2013

Ultrasound is the best way to find sources of reflux in the legs. Vein mapping is just an ultrasound, and a schematic of the ultrasound is drawn on paper for a NP or doctor. Sources of reflux and problematic veins are seen this way. Find a clinic with a physician accredited by the American College of Phlebology to have this mapping done.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Ultrasound is the best way to find sources of reflux in the legs. Vein mapping is just an ultrasound, and a schematic of the ultrasound is drawn on paper for a NP or doctor. Sources of reflux and problematic veins are seen this way. Find a clinic with a physician accredited by the American College of Phlebology to have this mapping done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Dec 08, 2013

Mapping refers to duplex ultrasound, which can diagnose venous insufficiency. This map ultimately provides your physician the information he needs to plan your treatment.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Mapping refers to duplex ultrasound, which can diagnose venous insufficiency. This map ultimately provides your physician the information he needs to plan your treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Dec 02, 2013

Vein mapping usually involves ultrasound to determine the origins and connections of a person's abnormal surface veins. Sometimes a reticular vein is simply abnormal on its own with no other source, and sometimes a deeper source may be found. Sclerotherapy is usually a good option for reticular veins if there is no deeper source or reflux.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Vein mapping usually involves ultrasound to determine the origins and connections of a person's abnormal surface veins. Sometimes a reticular vein is simply abnormal on its own with no other source, and sometimes a deeper source may be found. Sclerotherapy is usually a good option for reticular veins if there is no deeper source or reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Nov 29, 2013

Vein mapping refers to utilizing imaging to determine the anatomy and function of the venous system. Doppler ultrasound (duplex scanning) is the non-invasive imaging modality to collect this information. Based on the exam, a detailed approach to treatment is determined, and the succession or sequence of treatments, usually based on treating the largest refluxing (superficial) vein(s) first, followed by the smaller vessels (branch varicosities, reticular, then telangiectatic or spider). One cannot say if your particular situation is "treatable" without knowing the details.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Vein mapping refers to utilizing imaging to determine the anatomy and function of the venous system. Doppler ultrasound (duplex scanning) is the non-invasive imaging modality to collect this information. Based on the exam, a detailed approach to treatment is determined, and the succession or sequence of treatments, usually based on treating the largest refluxing (superficial) vein(s) first, followed by the smaller vessels (branch varicosities, reticular, then telangiectatic or spider). One cannot say if your particular situation is "treatable" without knowing the details.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 27, 2013

There are actually 2 kinds of vein mapping-one is done to show the anatomy of the saphenous vein prior to removing it for coronary artery bypass; and the second vein mapping is usually used to look at the saphenous system. Overall, vein mapping can look at any vein to see if the valves within the vein are causing reflux. It is done using an ultrasound. Sclerotherapy works on spider and reticular veins. It can work on varicose veins but there are alternatives to sclerotherapy for varicose veins including microphlebectomies. If you have varicose veins, then the reflux should be treated first with a closure procedure.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There are actually 2 kinds of vein mapping-one is done to show the anatomy of the saphenous vein prior to removing it for coronary artery bypass; and the second vein mapping is usually used to look at the saphenous system. Overall, vein mapping can look at any vein to see if the valves within the vein are causing reflux. It is done using an ultrasound. Sclerotherapy works on spider and reticular veins. It can work on varicose veins but there are alternatives to sclerotherapy for varicose veins including microphlebectomies. If you have varicose veins, then the reflux should be treated first with a closure procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Nov 27, 2013

Vein mapping uses ultrasound to check the superficial system, measure the size of the enlarged veins, and check for any reflux (Insufficiency). Sometime the reticular veins are connected to varicose veins also, but most of the time it is easier to see those vein in the light. Sclerotherapy is good for small veins. But if the bigger veins are bad and connected to smaller veins, it is better to close the bigger veins.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Vein mapping uses ultrasound to check the superficial system, measure the size of the enlarged veins, and check for any reflux (Insufficiency). Sometime the reticular veins are connected to varicose veins also, but most of the time it is easier to see those vein in the light. Sclerotherapy is good for small veins. But if the bigger veins are bad and connected to smaller veins, it is better to close the bigger veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Nov 27, 2013

Vein mapping is a vein ultrasound that gives the doctor the exact location of varicose veins.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Vein mapping is a vein ultrasound that gives the doctor the exact location of varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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