When are venous reflux exams helpful?

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?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 15, 2010

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

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


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 15, 2009

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.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

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


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Oct 12, 2009

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

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


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Oct 12, 2009

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/755_1499906765.jpg
Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

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


Miller Vein

Published on Oct 12, 2009

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

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


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Oct 09, 2009

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/526_1499901101.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

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


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Oct 09, 2009

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.


//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/977_1408044083.jpg
Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

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


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 09, 2009

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.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

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


Related Questions for Venous Reflux Exams

Venous Reflux Exams -10 answers
I was told when I was 42 that I have PAD and leaking valves in my lower legs causing Hemosiderin staining. Is there anything that can be done to remove the staining from my legs?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
I have swelling above the left knee, which was noticed 3 months ago. I had an ultrasound that revealed no deep vein thrombosis (DVT), just vein reflux and stasis. I've been wearing compression stockings, but the swelling is still there. I'm worried. Should I have further testing?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I've had two separate venous ultrasounds done at two different clinics. Neither showed much reflux, yet symptoms still persist. Can very mild reflux cause lots of pain in legs or is this typically only seen in people with a more significant amount of reflux? Are there other problems that could be causing symptoms similar to vascular/vein issues?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
My vein mapping test showed reflux and weak veins. The test was done because of pain in leg and varicose veins. I had a DVT in that leg 2 yrs ago. Is the procedure to correct this urgent? Can it be delayed or not done at all?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
I have varicose veins. For the past two months I have had severe pain and swelling in my ankles. I have no arthritis. Can the pain and swelling be from the varicose veins? Am to have a venous reflux exam next week.
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
How does this treatment measure my veins effectiveness?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
In April I had a blood clot in my thigh, behind my knee and in my calf. I had another really bad calf cramp, so my doctor sent me for another doppler, which showed I had developed another clot in my calf. He said that I would have swelling for life. Is he right?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I am 24 years old, and I have spider veins and visible blue veins behind knees on both legs. Ultrasound showed 0.4 sec reflux in GSV right leg. Some doctors told me this is normal, but is it normal? And, if not, is it dangerous or weird for my age? I am scared and confused. Can you offer any advice?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -10 answers
All of my ultrasounds have been done while lying down. I am concerned that the test results may not be as accurate because of that. Can you clarify whether it is best to have a venous reflux exam performed when lying down or standing?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -4 answers
I am thin and have had prominent calf veins for years without pain. I began working out and now my greater saphenous vein and the veins in the back of my thighs bulge. I have pain in my legs that I feel is due to these veins. My ultrasound was normal and no reflux was found. What's going on?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
Hello, I am interested in radiofrequency ablation of my greater saphenous veins. Last month an ultrasound showed continuous reflux at both greater saphenous junctions. I had no caffeine that day. I had another ultrasound today (after having 4 cups of coffee), and there was no reflux! Can consuming caffeine change the results of a person's reflux exam?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
I was recently diagnosed with Venous insufficiency of 0.7s. My understanding is that this is grade 1 venous reflux. Does this need to be treated with EVLT? Will it get worse if left untreated?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -4 answers
I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had venous doppler of low extremities to rule out DVT due to swelling in left thigh. It showed no clots, but showed that I have severe reflux in common femoral and femoral veins. Could this be due to a clot that was missed?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
I pay $1,000 a month for my insurance policy with BCBS, yet they will not cover ANY of my vein issues. I am in terrible pain all the time, my knee and calf are very swollen and it's affecting my walk. I have been diagnosed with venous reflux. Can I appeal the insurance company's decision? If so, how do I do that?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -3 answers
A venous return exam discovered that I have two chronic DVTs in my common femoral and iliac veins (right side). I have had many cath's and, more recently, stenting of left common iliac vein. Now, I've been dx with meralgia paresthetica on the right side. Could chronic dvt cause this?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I know there is vein disease and arterial diseases that can cause leg pain. When someone has a duplex ultrasound done are the arteries and veins both checked for issues?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
Can a L4-5, L5-S1 injury restrict the blood flow in my left leg? When I received an injection in my hip for the inflammation associated with my back, the blood flow started to backup in my lower leg. Is there treatment to fix this? There is reflux present within the left common femoral vein.
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -5 answers
I've heard there are different types of venous reflux exams. What are they?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
Would elevating her legs to my shoulders while lying in bed and massaging her legs from ankles to thighs help at all?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency which was treated, but left me with scars from the sores and leg discoloration. I wonder if there is anything with lasers perhaps which can eliminate the scars and at least lighten the discoloration.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR