Before treatment of varicose veins, duplex ultrasound studies are organised to map the abnormal veins. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) ultrasound studies may also be organised if you have a history of thrombosis.

All ultrasound studies are done at this practice. You may have had ultrasounds before but in most patients we need to do our own studies as we need a detailed map which is usually not provided by other practices.

Once the map is done, we can determine what the most appropriate treatment for your veins is. We only map one leg at a time as it is a lengthy scan taking up to 45 minutes per leg depending on the complexity of the veins.

Patients with a history of venous thrombosis will require blood tests to assess their relative thrombotic risk. They may still have treatment but we may need to take extra precautions.

Patients with concurrent arterial disease may also need extra ultrasound studies to assess their arterial blood supply. At all times do not hesitate to ak any questions you may have.