Why might I need a varicose veins ultrasound?
Your GP or specialist may recommend a venous ultrasound if you have visible varicose veins or symptoms that may be associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
Symptoms may include:
- visible or bulging varicose veins
- aching, throbbing or heaviness in the legs
- swelling around the ankles or lower legs
- itching or discomfort
- skin discolouration around the ankles
- skin thickening or inflammation
- recurrent superficial vein inflammation
- venous leg ulcers or wounds that are slow to heal.
Some patients have significant venous reflux even when the visible varicose veins appear relatively minor.
The ultrasound helps determine how the veins are functioning beneath the skin and provides information that can guide further assessment and treatment planning.
What does a varicose veins ultrasound assess?
The examination assesses the deep and superficial veins of the leg and looks for abnormal venous reflux or other changes in blood flow.
The scan may include assessment of the:
- common femoral vein
- femoral vein
- popliteal vein
- posterior tibial and peroneal veins
- saphenofemoral junction
- great saphenous vein
- anterior accessory saphenous vein
- saphenopopliteal junction
- small saphenous vein
- relevant perforating veins in the thigh and calf.
B-mode, colour Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound are used to assess the structure of the veins and the direction of blood flow.
The sonographer may gently compress or squeeze areas of the calf or thigh during the examination to assess how blood moves through the venous system.
What happens during the ultrasound?
No special preparation is usually required.
Please arrive approximately 5 minutes before your appointment to allow time for any necessary paperwork.
You will usually be asked to remove clothing from the leg so the sonographer can examine the veins from the groin to the ankle.
For assessment of venous reflux, part of the examination is usually performed while you are standing. This allows the sonographer to assess the veins under conditions in which reflux is more easily demonstrated.
Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and the sonographer gently moves the ultrasound probe along the leg.
During the examination, the sonographer may squeeze the calf or thigh to assess blood flow and valve function.
The ultrasound usually takes approximately 15–30 minutes per leg, depending on the complexity of the examination.
How will I receive my results?
Following the examination, the ultrasound images and measurements are reviewed and a report is prepared.
The report will be sent to your referring GP or specialist, who can discuss the findings with you and advise whether any further assessment or treatment is required.
If the ultrasound identifies a finding that requires urgent medical attention, this will be communicated promptly to the referring doctor and appropriate next steps will be arranged.
