What is ultrasound and how is it used to assess leg veins?
Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging tool that involves sending sound waves into the body by passing an ultrasound probe over the skin. When these sound waves encounter different structures or tissue layers in the body, a small amount of the sound energy is reflected back to the ultrasound probe. This returning information is relayed from the probe to the ultrasound machine, which is able to interpret the information and produce a visible image on the screen. These images allow us to visualise the veins in your legs and along with this measure the size of the vessels to determine if the veins contain thrombus (clots). Through visualisation of the veins the ultrasound examination will provide a detailed “map” of the veins in your legs.
Another feature of ultrasound is that when the sound waves encounter moving blood inside a vessel, the reflected energy is changed in frequency (Doppler Effect). Once again this change in the reflected sound wave can be interrupted by the ultrasound machine to provide both audible and visual information related the direction, velocity (speed) and volume of blood within your veins. The direction of blood flow in a vein is very important in determining if your veins are functioning normally, or if they are a varicose vein. Essentially a normal vein will only allow blood flow in one direction, up your leg, while a varicose vein allows blood flow in both directions.
Ultrasound has been used since the 1950’s and to date no harmful effects have been attributed to the use of this technology in the clinical diagnostic field. Hence ultrasound is considered a completely safe, non-invasive technique for accurately evaluating abnormalities within your veins.
What can I expect to during my ultrasound exam?
The technician will firstly ask you to remove some of your clothing to allow them to access your entire leg. Ultrasound relies on direct contact between the ultrasound probe and your skin. You will then be asked to stand on a step. Evaluating your veins in the standing position is essential to allow accurate assessment of the direction of flow in your veins. Next, the technician will place water soluble gel on your leg and commence the scan by running the probe over your skin. The examination typically begins in the groin and proceeds down the leg to the ankle. At various times during the examination the technician will squeeze your thigh or calf muscle. This manoeuvre causes the blood in your veins to move up your leg, and you will hear a “swishing” noise from the ultrasound machine representing the movement of blood.
At various stages throughout the examination you will be asked to sit and stand as the technician evaluates different segments of your legs. If at any stage during the examination you feel faint please immediately inform the technician. It will usually take 30-45 minutes to fully exam a single leg, however this can vary depending upon the complexity of the scan.
Immediately after your examination you will have a consultation with Dr Price to discuss your results and the most suitable treatment available for your particular pattern of varicose veins. You will also receive a CD with the images from your ultrasound examination for your records.
Most Leg scans need little or now preparation. It is helpful if you wear loose fitting clothing on the day. Bring loose shorts to change into after you arrive.
Remember to bring compression stockings if you are having injections
Ovarian Vein Scan
The Day Before you should avoid fizzy drinks and any food likely to cause bloating.
On the day of the scan , you need to fast for at least 5 hrs.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
EndoVenous Radio Frequency Ablation
RF Perforator Ablation
Venaseal Super Glue Ablation
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
Ovarian Vein Embolisation