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