A patient suffering from varicose veins or being followed for blood clots should be aware of the importance of diagnostic ultrasound.  In some patients suffering with vein disease this exam is crucial to obtaining a correct diagnosis, which ultimately helps to establish an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small hand held instrument and gel placed directly on the skin. Most people don't feel any discomfort, but if your leg was swollen and sensitive to the touch before the test, the pressure of the sensor might cause some tenderness.

Ultrasound examinations do not involve the use of ionizing radiation, (as used in x-rays), and the procedure is harmless and can be safely used on anybody of any age.

Using Duplex (Doppler) ultrasound Dr. Omotoso can measure the size of the dilated varicose veins, hear and see the reflux of the blood going downwards through the malfunctioning valves of the varicose veins. This procedure is ideal for accurately determining the size and location of the problematic veins.

At the Saint John Vein Clinic venous ultrasound is performed to:
 

• Determine the root cause of vein disease

In people with a common condition called “varicose veins”, the valves that keep blood flowing back to the heart in the right direction may be damaged, and venous ultrasound can help Dr. Omotoso decide how best to deal with this condition.
 

• Aid in the placement of a needle or catheter into a vein

In the case of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy and Endovenous vein ablation, ultrasound can help locate the exact site of the vein and avoid complications, such as bleeding or damage to a nearby nerve or artery.
 

• Helpful in  diagnosing phlebitis (blood clots)

The ultrasound equipment must be of sufficiently high quality in order to give a correct image processing result, which can then provide invaluable information. Due to the cost of this equipment there is a fee for this procedure.

For venous ultrasound imaging, please call the Saint John Vein Clinic at 1-506-648-7013 for more information.

You may reach our  Vein Helpline, Toll Free at 1-855-551-VEIN (8346) ​