A duplex ultrasound is a test to see how blood moves through your arteries and veins.
The test combines traditional ultrasound with Doppler ultrasonography. Regular ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create pictures. Doppler looks at how sound waves reflect off moving objects, such as blood.
A computer measures how the sound waves bounce and reflect back, and changes the sound waves into pictures. The Doppler creates a “swishing” sound, which is the sound of your blood moving through the arteries and veins.
A duplex ultrasound can show how blood flows to many parts of the body. It can also tell the width of a blood vessel and reveal any blockages.
Any patient that we examine for leg veins should also be evaluated with Duplex Ultrasound. Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive test in which an ultrasound probe is placed on the skin of the legs in order to examine both the superficial and deep venous anatomy. We look for reversal of blood flow (reflux) in veins and identify specific areas to remedy with laser and other treatment modalities.
FAQs
Does Duplex Ultrasound hurt?
No, this is a non-invasive test.
Where is Duplex Ultrasound performed?
All ultrasounds and all treatments are performed right in our office.
Is the cost covered by medical insurance?
Duplex Ultrasound examination, like any “medical test” is usually a covered insurance benefit.
If I just have spider veins, should I have a Duplex Ultrasound?
At least 50% of patients presenting to our office with just spider veins, have been found to have abnormal valve s in their saphenous veins (reflux). This underlying condition should be treated BEFORE the spider veins, in order to be most effective.
