Varicose Veins Diagnosis

Varicose Veins Diagnosis

The diagnosis of venous disorders including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency requires an examination and tests performed by a qualified physician who specializes in venous diseases. These physicians are called Phlebotomists. A Phlebotomist has the most modern tools, techniques, and knowledge of the diagnosis of the etiology of venous disorders. Varicose veins diagnosis usually begins with an office visit where the physician or his/her staff will gather some initial information from the patient.

Medical History and Evaluation

The physician will gather more detailed medical pertained information from the patient. This information may include a detailed history of the patient’s medical conditions and symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next, the physician performs a thorough physical exam of the legs to evaluate the extent of the varicose vein disease. The physician may also examine the abdominal, pelvic, and perineum area as well. Varicosities in these areas may indicate venous disorders of the deep system and intra-abdominal veins or liver disease.

After the Exam

After the physical exam is completed the physician will decide if any additional tests are needed to evaluate the venous system and the vein valves. The standard test for this is a duplex ultrasound. Most Phlebotomists have the equipment and the expertise to perform this test in their office. They will also have the credentials to interpret the results of the exam. If not, the physician may refer the patient to another facility for the test.

Ultrasound Diagnostics

The detection of blood flow and the presence of certain veins call for a very advanced form of ultrasound technology. When most people think of ultrasound, they think of the fairly limited ultrasound used to detect babies in the womb of mothers.

Duplex ultrasound varies greatly from the traditional ultrasound used to check on unborn babies as well as common gynecological disorders such as ovarian cysts, in that it combines two forms of technology. Duplex combines conventional ultrasound technology with Doppler ultrasonography.

You might ask what Doppler Ultrasound Technology is.

Traditional ultrasound uses sound waves to bounce off of blood vessels and create a picture within the body. Doppler ultrasound records sound waves as they reflect off of moving objects rather than just stationary blood vessels. It can reflect off of blood and other things moving within the body and measure speed and other aspects of flow.

What to Expect During the Examination

During the examination:

1. You will wear a medical gown and gel will be spread over the area that will be examined.
2. A wand, called a transducer, will be moved over the area and it sends out sound waves.
3. A computer measures sound waves and change them into pictures.
4. You will hear a swishing sound which is the sound of your blood moving through the arteries and veins.

Treatment Options

At the completion of the visit, the physician will explain all the treatment options available to the patient. The patient should ask questions about the cost, complications, advantages, and disadvantages of all the treatments. The patient should also ask questions concerning the physician’s qualifications to perform any treatment procedures. Treatment of varicose veins and venous diseases includes the conservative treatment of wearing compression stockings. Other treatments include sclerotherapy, surgery, and endovenous laser ablation procedures.