Are you concerned about painful varicose veins or a potentially life-threatening blood clot in your leg? Venous duplex ultrasound offers a way to get a quick and accurate diagnosis so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
At Hamptons Vein & Vascular, Dr. Rashmi Sharma and our care team offer this diagnostic ultrasound in our Rutherford and Westfield, New Jersey, offices. We can typically conduct the test during your first visit, making it easy to begin needed treatment.
Take a moment to learn more about this diagnostic tool and what you can expect.
What is a venous duplex ultrasound?
Venous duplex ultrasound is an imaging test used to evaluate blood movement through your veins and arteries. Ultrasound is safe and painless and uses harmless soundwaves to create images of your veins and blood flow.
A venous duplex ultrasound at Hamptons Vein & Vascular combines traditional ultrasound with doppler ultrasound. This allows us to make the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Traditional ultrasound creates pictures using the soundwaves that bounce off your blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound, on the other hand, measures the speed and flow of your blood using soundwaves that reflect off moving objects.
Why might I need a venous duplex ultrasound?
We use venous duplex ultrasound to diagnose different vein conditions. Some of the reasons venous duplex ultrasound may be used include:
- Determining the size and location of superficial and deep veins
- Evaluating varicose veins
- Identifying abnormal or refluxing veins
Venous duplex ultrasounds are also used to look for blood clots in the leg veins. People who have this condition are diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition is serious and requires medical attention since the clot can move from the leg to the lungs.
When the clot travels into the lungs, you can develop a dangerous condition called pulmonary embolism. However, when the blood clot in the leg is found early, treatment is effective at preventing it from moving to the lungs.
Preparing for a venous duplex ultrasound
Since venous duplex ultrasounds aren’t invasive, there isn’t typically much preparation required before your appointment. It’s best to choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Depending on the location of the veins being studied, you may be asked to change into a gown.
How is the ultrasound performed?
Most of the time patients lie face up on the exam table, which can be tilted or moved. You may be asked to turn onto your side to improve the quality of the images.
We apply a clear, water-based gel to the area of your leg being evaluated. A special wand, called a transducer, is then used to send soundwaves into your body.
Your provider may move the transducer around to help get better images of the area of concern. The exam usually takes 30-45 minutes to complete.
Benefits of a venous duplex ultrasound
Compared to other diagnostic tools, venous duplex ultrasound offers many benefits. The biggest benefit is that venous duplex ultrasound sets the bar for quick and accurate diagnoses of vein issues, meaning there isn’t a better diagnostic tool.
Other benefits include:
- No exposure to radiation
- Noninvasive procedure (no needles, injections, or incisions)
- In-office imaging at Hamptons Vein & Vascular
If you have troublesome leg symptoms, it’s important to learn the root cause quickly. Early treatment is key to preventing further complications that could impact your overall health.
For expert diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment by contacting the Hamptons Vein & Vascular office nearest you today.