Venous Duplex Examination for Varicose Veins

If we suspect you have varicose veins or blood clots, we will likely order a duplex ultrasound. This test is used to assess the blood moves through vessels.

Duplex combines traditional ultrasound, which uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create pictures, with Doppler, which records sound waves that reflect off moving objects, like blood cells.

Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive test with no risks involved. You may feel some pressure from the probe as it moves over your leg, and accurate assessment of the veins requires compression. Duplex scanning will show us normal and abnormal blood flow, and can any blockages that exist.

Prior to the scan, we will have you change into shorts. During the procedure, you will lie down on a exam table and a gel is applied to help transmit the sound waves. A handheld device, called a transducer, is gently moved around on the area in need of examination. As the transducer moves, signals are transmitted to the computer, which changes the sounds waves into images. During the test, a swishing sound may be heard, which is the sound of the blood moving through the body.

At Capitol Vein and Laser, our certified and licensed Registered Vascular Technologists have many years of expertise helping to diagnose venous disease. They also attend regional meetings and continuing education programs to ensure continued excellence.

Both Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. McNeill, as vascular surgeons, have been at the forefront in treating venous disease for many years and have helped introduce the newest techniques to the many other physicians across the country. For example, both doctors were actively involved with the Phase 3 FDA led clinical trial assessing the efficacy of Varithena as a treatment for varicosities.

Varithena, which uses specially formulated sclerotherapy for certain veins, allows effective and accurate placement of medication into veins causing them to shrink and disappear.

Not all vein treatments are appropriate in all patients, so a thorough evaluation and discussion with either Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. McNeill will ensure your options are properly selected.