What is a venous reflux ultrasound?

A venous insufficiency ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produces images of the veins in your legs. A venous insufficiency ultrasound is used to diagnose reflux in the veins.

What is a venous reflux bilateral?

Venous reflux occurs when venous valves don’t function adequately, leading to reversal of blood flow through the valves during standing or sitting. Venous reflux most commonly occurs when vein valves weaken due to genetic influences or multiple pregnancies, among other factors.

How is a venous reflux study done?

You will lie on a specialized table that will tilt at an angle. Gel will be spread on your leg(s) to improve the quality of the sound waves. A small handheld unit called a transducer is pressed against your skin and moved back and forth over it. A picture of the blood vessels can be seen on a video monitor.

How long does a venous reflux test take?

A venous reflux study is a noninvasive ultrasound examination. This test is performed in a vascular lab by a sonographer (also called a vascular ultrasound technologist). The test usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on whether one or both legs are examined.

Is venous reflux serious?

Venous reflux disease can lead to a life-threatening condition. In fact, venous disease, which generically refers to a number of conditions, results from the backward flow of blood (reflux) in a weakened vine. This backward flow causes the blood to pool in the veins of the lower leg.

Is venous reflux a disability?

Filing for Social Security Disability with a Chronic Venous Insufficiency Diagnosis. Chronic Venous Insufficiency has been determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to be one of the disabling conditions that can qualify a person to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

What is the best treatment for venous reflux?

Treatment may include:

  • Improving blood flow in your leg veins. Keeping your legs raised (elevated) can reduce swelling and help increase blood flow.
  • Medicines.
  • Endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
  • Sclerotherapy.
  • Surgery.

What is the treatment for venous reflux?

The easiest way to treat venous reflux is by wearing compression stockings. These can help improve circulation by applying pressure to the legs. A person with severe VRD may also need surgery. Speak with a doctor if any warning signs or symptoms of venous reflux occur, such as pain, muscle cramps, or swelling.

Is venous disease curable?

Like any disease, CVI is most treatable in its earliest stages. Vascular medicine or vascular surgery specialists typically recommend a combination of treatments for people with CVI.

What happens if venous reflux is not treated?

Untreated venous insufficiency results not only in a gradual loss of cosmesis but also in variety of complications including persistent pain and discomfort, hemorrhage, superficial thrombophlebitis, and progressive skin changes that may ultimately lead to ulceration.