Why is a duplex ultrasound necessary before vein treatment?

An in-office hand-held Doppler ultrasound found bilateral venous reflux. Despite wearing compression stockings, I have significant pain each night after work (sitting, standing for long periods). Why is a duplex ultrasound essential before any treatment? Thank you.

Answers from doctors (7)


Palm Vein Center

Published on Oct 08, 2013

Duplex Ultrasound mapping is by far the best means of diagnosing venous insufficiency. A vein practice is only as good as their sonographer. Duplex ultrasound is able to map out specifically the source of the disease process. Be weary of a vein practice where you notice a lack of accountability between the physician and sonographer and vice-versa. To do that, you must pick the sonographer's brain about your scan and compare it to that of the physician's evaluation afterwards. Lack of disclosure in educating you during the ultrasound isn't a good sign. You MUST test their integrity.

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

Duplex Ultrasound mapping is by far the best means of diagnosing venous insufficiency. A vein practice is only as good as their sonographer. Duplex ultrasound is able to map out specifically the source of the disease process. Be weary of a vein practice where you notice a lack of accountability between the physician and sonographer and vice-versa. To do that, you must pick the sonographer's brain about your scan and compare it to that of the physician's evaluation afterwards. Lack of disclosure in educating you during the ultrasound isn't a good sign. You MUST test their integrity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Sep 16, 2013

A duplex ultrasound is conducted to ensure that the vein is still refluxing and is a good size to perform treatment. Veins can change quite drastically from day to day, especially diseased veins.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

A duplex ultrasound is conducted to ensure that the vein is still refluxing and is a good size to perform treatment. Veins can change quite drastically from day to day, especially diseased veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Sep 12, 2013

The duplex ultrasound is necessary to assess and pinpoint the exact location and degree of the insufficiency [reflux] in the veins before treatment. This ultrasound mapping is important not only to know what veins need to be treated and their location, but also to follow the course of the treatment.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The duplex ultrasound is necessary to assess and pinpoint the exact location and degree of the insufficiency [reflux] in the veins before treatment. This ultrasound mapping is important not only to know what veins need to be treated and their location, but also to follow the course of the treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Sep 10, 2013

An ultrasound is required because it will give your provider a clear and definite picture of exactly what is wrong and which veins are involved in your particular case. It will also provide specific measurements of the veins (diameter and depth), and this information is critical in properly treating your venous issues.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

An ultrasound is required because it will give your provider a clear and definite picture of exactly what is wrong and which veins are involved in your particular case. It will also provide specific measurements of the veins (diameter and depth), and this information is critical in properly treating your venous issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Sep 09, 2013

The venous ultrasound with Doppler will provide the anatomical as well as the physiologic information about your veins. It is crucial to determine which veins are insufficient, the size, the branches, tortuosity, etc. All that information is very important to be able to plan the type and number of procedures that will be needed to eliminate your vein circulation problem.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The venous ultrasound with Doppler will provide the anatomical as well as the physiologic information about your veins. It is crucial to determine which veins are insufficient, the size, the branches, tortuosity, etc. All that information is very important to be able to plan the type and number of procedures that will be needed to eliminate your vein circulation problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Sep 09, 2013

The ultrasound helps the doctor determine which veins are problematic. The information obtained then guides treatment.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

The ultrasound helps the doctor determine which veins are problematic. The information obtained then guides treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 09, 2013

A venous duplex scan is the gold standard for the diagnosis and planned treatment of venous disease. The scan can show if there is any problem with the deep system of veins, especially to rule out any clots. The scan will also look at the superficial vein system for reflux which, if present, would explain your symptoms. Reflux can then be treated by a closure procedure but before this can be done, the anatomy and the location of the refluxing veins has to be determined by the venous ultrasound.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

A venous duplex scan is the gold standard for the diagnosis and planned treatment of venous disease. The scan can show if there is any problem with the deep system of veins, especially to rule out any clots. The scan will also look at the superficial vein system for reflux which, if present, would explain your symptoms. Reflux can then be treated by a closure procedure but before this can be done, the anatomy and the location of the refluxing veins has to be determined by the venous ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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