The Role of color Duplex Ultrasound

Any examination of varicose veins of the legs, without the use of color flow duplex reflux scanning, is an incomplete evaluation. There are two systems of leg veins: the deep system, and the superficial system. The deep vein system carries more than 90% of venous blood of the legs. The superficial leg vein system consists of many small veins, directing its flow into the deep system at multiple locations called junctions. The junctions, are equipped with one-way valves, allowing one way flow of venous blood from superficial veins into the deep vein system, and preventing the flow of blood from going in the opposite direction.

Varicose veins result from the incompetence of these one-way valves, leading to the abnormal flow of blood from the deep system into the superficial system of legs. Thus, the use of color flow duplex ultrasound is the most accurate method for determining the location of the leaking (incompetent) valves. Once the incompetent valve is localized, a suitable individualized treatment method can be selected, leading to better results.
Dr. Fattahi believes that accurate results are achieved when the initial mapping ultrasound is done by the treating physician himself, rather than reading off of a scan report prepared by a technician.