Almost all vein centers recommend patients undergo an imaging test known as Venous Doppler before undergoing sclerotherapy. Unfortunately, many individuals who are worried about being subjected to unnecessary medical tests, question whether or not it is necessary to have an ultrasound performed before seeking treatment for spider veins or varicose veins.
We will explore why this type of vein testing is recommended before administering sclerotherapy to patients.
What is Venous Doppler Testing?
A Doppler ultrasound is a specific type of medical imaging test intended to help healthcare professionals get a better understanding of how the blood flows throughout the body. Using high-frequency sound waves, known as ultrasound, this medical test provides valuable information that can provide vital in diagnosing certain types of diseases.
When used on the veins throughout the body, the term venous is applied. This vein testing will produce detailed images that help vein surgeons get a better understanding of how the veins are structured, the flow of the blood throughout the veins, and whether or not potential problems could be caused by a blood clot.
While Doppler ultrasounds can produce images of almost any vein in the body, it is most commonly used by vein centers to create images of veins in the arms and legs.
Why is Doppler Testing Needed Before Sclerotherapy?
Many times spider veins and varicose veins are the first signs that a patient could have a larger, more serious vein disease. Unfortunately, there is no way to confirm this just by looking at the spider veins or varicose veins, a better, more detailed test must be done to confirm this diagnosis. The Doppler ultrasound can confirm a diagnosis of various serious vein diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis.
While patients could seek sclerotherapy treatment for their spider veins or varicose veins without getting a Doppler ultrasound, it is not recommended. Just treating the spider veins or varicose veins without exploring the possibility of a more serious vein disease could lead to severe complications in the future.
Performing a Doppler ultrasound before sclerotherapy allows vein doctors to give patients an accurate diagnosis, which can lead to prompts – and sometimes lifesaving – treatment of serious vein diseases.
Vein and Vascular Institute of New Jersey incorporates Venous Doppler testing into its standard treatment plan. Before patients receive recommendations for treatment, our vein specialists will often recommend having this type of testing performed, as it allows them to create the best, more accurate treatment plan for your varicose veins and spider veins.
Call our offices today to schedule an appointment to discuss how best to treat your spider veins or varicose veins, and to learn more about our Doppler testing.