At Vanishing Veins in Hartford Ct, we offer a venous Doppler ultrasound exam for a complete diagnostic evaluation of the deep and superficial venous systems to identify damaged veins and valves and pinpoint the location of venous reflux.
The venous ultrasound is painless, harmless, and noninvasive. Ultrasound gel is rubbed onto the area in question and the imaging device is moved along the area to see what lies underneath. Patients can expect the complete ultrasound appointment to last 90 minutes.
What is a Venous Doppler Ultrasound Exam?
A venous Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic test used to check the circulation in the large veins in the legs (or sometimes the arms). This exam shows any blockage in the veins by a blood clot or “thrombus” formation.
Normal Circulation
The veins return blood to the heart. There are two sets of veins in the legs:
Deep veins – which are underneath the leg muscles
Superficial veins – which are right underneath the surface of the skin
The veins in the leg deflate easily; blood flows under low pressure and against gravity. Two things help the blood pump more efficiently:
The calf “muscle pump.” – As you walk, calf muscle movement pushes blood upward.
Venous valves – the one-way valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing back into your feet
After Your Venous Ultrasound
After your venous ultrasound you will have an appointment with Dr. Greenwald and she will explain the results of your ultrasound. At the same office visit Dr. Greenwald will discuss your personalized treatment plan.
After your venous treatments a follow up ultrasound is usually done a couple of months later to assess your results.
Once you have completed all of your treatments we will review what signs and symptoms to look out for. We will advise you when you should return for follow up depending upon your individual situation. It is important to keep a close eye on your veins to keep them healthy long term.
