When should one get a venous reflux exam?

And when is it unnecessary? I already know I have varicose veins, so what are the benefits of having a venous reflux exam?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 11, 2010

Venous reflux exams should be done whenever there is a reason to evaluate the venous leg circulation. This can be due to a multitude of symptoms such as aching, cramping, swelling ,itching, heaviness , varicose or spider veins, a question of DVT or chronic venous stasis, ulcer or lymphedema. The benefits of the exam are many including making a diagnosis and giving the anatomy of the venous problem. A venous reflux exam is unnecessary if venous disease is not considered as the problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Venous reflux exams should be done whenever there is a reason to evaluate the venous leg circulation. This can be due to a multitude of symptoms such as aching, cramping, swelling ,itching, heaviness , varicose or spider veins, a question of DVT or chronic venous stasis, ulcer or lymphedema. The benefits of the exam are many including making a diagnosis and giving the anatomy of the venous problem. A venous reflux exam is unnecessary if venous disease is not considered as the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 27, 2009

The venous reflux exam is necesary on any patient in whom therapy for varicose veins is being determine. The degree of reflux, the source of reflux, the anatomy and physiology of the venous system is quite different from patient to patient. The treatment plan is tailored to each patient based on that evaluation.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The venous reflux exam is necesary on any patient in whom therapy for varicose veins is being determine. The degree of reflux, the source of reflux, the anatomy and physiology of the venous system is quite different from patient to patient. The treatment plan is tailored to each patient based on that evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Nov 25, 2009

Ultrasound mapping and doppler reflux study of legs veins in indicated when:
Bulging Varicose veins are present whether or not a patient has pain, swelling, cramps, or lower calf and ankle itching, inflammation or ulceration. Also when there is hyperpigmentation (brownish discoloration) of skin of lower calf and ankles. Also many cases of unsightly reticular and spider veins, may be due to reflux disease in superficial veins of legs. In such cases also, even though there is no pain, ultrasound mapping and reflux study of legs veins must be done. Of course whenever, recurrence of varicose veins or symptoms of reflux in veins are present, ultrasound mapping and reflux studies
must be done. Therefore it is easy to understand that, ultrasound mapping has a major role in evaluation and treatment of different vein conditions (both painful, and cosmetic) of legs.

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Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Ultrasound mapping and doppler reflux study of legs veins in indicated when:
Bulging Varicose veins are present whether or not a patient has pain, swelling, cramps, or lower calf and ankle itching, inflammation or ulceration. Also when there is hyperpigmentation (brownish discoloration) of skin of lower calf and ankles. Also many cases of unsightly reticular and spider veins, may be due to reflux disease in superficial veins of legs. In such cases also, even though there is no pain, ultrasound mapping and reflux study of legs veins must be done. Of course whenever, recurrence of varicose veins or symptoms of reflux in veins are present, ultrasound mapping and reflux studies
must be done. Therefore it is easy to understand that, ultrasound mapping has a major role in evaluation and treatment of different vein conditions (both painful, and cosmetic) of legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 25, 2009

The venous ultrasound looks for the underlying cause of varicose veins which is reflux (a leaking vein). In terms of treatment it is better to treat both the underlying cause of the varicose veins as well as the varicosities. Thus, the venous reflux exam is very helpful.

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Answered by Miller Vein

The venous ultrasound looks for the underlying cause of varicose veins which is reflux (a leaking vein). In terms of treatment it is better to treat both the underlying cause of the varicose veins as well as the varicosities. Thus, the venous reflux exam is very helpful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 25, 2009

If you have varicose veins which bulge, or other symptoms of venous insufficiency such as achy legs swelling in the legs or skin discoloration or ulceration then you should have a venous insufficiency ultrasound evaluation.

A venous reflux exam also evaluates the deep venous system making sure it is working properly and without insufficiency or thrombus (DVT). Venous reflux exams are necessary for all patients with suspected venous insufficiency and especially those that are being considered for vein procedures.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

If you have varicose veins which bulge, or other symptoms of venous insufficiency such as achy legs swelling in the legs or skin discoloration or ulceration then you should have a venous insufficiency ultrasound evaluation.

A venous reflux exam also evaluates the deep venous system making sure it is working properly and without insufficiency or thrombus (DVT). Venous reflux exams are necessary for all patients with suspected venous insufficiency and especially those that are being considered for vein procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 25, 2009

If you have varicose veins which bulge, or other symptoms of venous insufficiency such as achy legs swelling in the legs or skin discoloration or ulceration then you should have a venous insufficiency ultrasound evaluation. This exam will identify which veins are leaking and determine whether endovenous ablation is indicated.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

If you have varicose veins which bulge, or other symptoms of venous insufficiency such as achy legs swelling in the legs or skin discoloration or ulceration then you should have a venous insufficiency ultrasound evaluation. This exam will identify which veins are leaking and determine whether endovenous ablation is indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 25, 2009

Venous Reflux exams act as a "roadmap" of your veins. Although you have visual varicose veins, it is important to determine from where they are arising because this is the vein that needs to be ablated. Also, a venous reflux exam evaluates the deep venous system making sure it is working properly and without insufficiency or thrombus (DVT). Venous reflux exams are necessary for all patients with suspected venous insufficiency and especially those that are being considered for vein procedures.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Venous Reflux exams act as a "roadmap" of your veins. Although you have visual varicose veins, it is important to determine from where they are arising because this is the vein that needs to be ablated. Also, a venous reflux exam evaluates the deep venous system making sure it is working properly and without insufficiency or thrombus (DVT). Venous reflux exams are necessary for all patients with suspected venous insufficiency and especially those that are being considered for vein procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Nov 25, 2009

The exam is to determine what larger vessels are causing the varicosities that you can see. That exam gives the physician the information necessary to determine the best way to treat the whole problem.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

The exam is to determine what larger vessels are causing the varicosities that you can see. That exam gives the physician the information necessary to determine the best way to treat the whole problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 25, 2009

If you also have pain, swelling, burning or itching sensations in you legs it would be advisable to have a venous reflux ultrasound. This study looks for reflux and incompetent valves in your veins. It will help determine what procedures you are a candidate for.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

If you also have pain, swelling, burning or itching sensations in you legs it would be advisable to have a venous reflux ultrasound. This study looks for reflux and incompetent valves in your veins. It will help determine what procedures you are a candidate for.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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