What to Expect During a Duplex Ultrasound Scan for Aching or Swollen Legs

A full check-up is very important for treating varicose veins. The main part of this check-up is a duplex ultrasound scan. This is a safe and painless test that shows us a clear picture of your veins. It helps us choose the best treatment for you.

What Is the Duplex Ultrasound Scan?

A duplex ultrasound scan is a simple, safe test that uses sound waves to look at your veins and check how blood flows through them. It creates pictures of your veins and shows if blood is moving normally or if there are any blockages or problems. The duplex ultrasound combines two key imaging techniques:​

• B-mode Ultrasound: This produces real-time images of your veins' structures, allowing us to visualise the anatomy and identify any abnormalities. ​
• Doppler Ultrasound: This assesses the direction and speed of blood flow within your veins by bouncing ultrasound waves off circulating red blood cells. ​

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By integrating these methods, we gain a comprehensive view of both the physical structure and functional performance of your veins to develop a tailored treatment recommendation.

What Is Being Assessed During The Scan?

During the duplex ultrasound, our vascular scientists focus on several critical areas:​

1. Deep Venous System Evaluation: We examine the main pathways that return blood from your legs to your heart, checking for any blockages or abnormalities. ​This can run all the way from the groin right down to the ankle.
2. Superficial Venous System Assessment: We assess the veins closer to the skin's surface, which are often involved in varicose vein issues, to identify any backwards flow or leaky valves. ​    
3. Detection of Venous Reflux: We identify any backward flow of blood, known as reflux, which can lead to varicose veins and other complications. ​
4. Anatomical Mapping: We create a detailed map of your vein anatomy to determine the suitability for specific treatments and to develop a personalised     treatment plan. ​

Benefits of the Duplex Ultrasound Scan

This scan can be beneficial for lots of reasons. The main ones being: 

• Non-Invasive and Painless: The procedure involves no incisions or injections and is generally comfortable. ​
• Real-Time Results: We can observe your blood flow and vein structure during the scan, meaning you get an instant report about the health of your veins.
• Personalised Treatment Planning: The detailed information gathered allows us to tailor treatments to your specific vein anatomy and condition severity.​

When To Consider a Duplex Ultrasound Scan?

If you're experiencing symptoms such as aching legs, swelling in the feet or legs, or visible varicose veins, a duplex ultrasound can provide crucial insights into your vascular health. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.​

At UK Vein Clinic, our expert vascular scientists use state-of-the-art duplex ultrasound technology to get accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. If you're concerned about your vein health, contact us to schedule a comprehensive assessment.​

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