Investigations

Proper diagnosis is essential in order to devise an appropriate and successful treatment. Colour Duplex Ultrasound is the most reliable way and is the best current method of identifying  the location and extent of venous problems. This is a minor procedure carried out by a vascular technologist and maps which veins are working correctly and those which are not. Without this, even the most skilled practitioner may treat the wrong vein. Some evidence suggests that about 30% of patients have received the wrong operation as a result, and therefore it is not surprising that varicose veins come back.



A clear gel is put on the skin and the ultrasound probe is then placed onto this. A vascular technologist performs the scan in the clinic and can see the veins and the blood flowing through them. It sometimes also shows the valves in action and the flow rate and patterns of blood also illustrates the condition of the valves.

The rates of success for leg vein treatment, and the vastly reduced risk of recurring vein problems, is a direct result of this testing method.