What Is Vein Mapping for Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins allow blood to pool or move backward inside them. In many cases, varicose veins are seen as purple, squiggly lines on legs and can bulge and cause pain and throbbing. Luckily, there are several surgical procedures that can be done to alleviate varicose veins. Vein mapping is done prior to these surgical procedures.

Purpose of Vein Mapping

Vein mapping is used to determine which veins are insufficient and which treatment would be most effective. Insufficient veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction. Vein mapping also shows the origin of varicose veins.

Method of Vein Mapping

Ultrasound is used to map veins. Doppler ultrasound is a type used to observe and listen to blood flow in veins.

Deep Venous Thrombosis

Ultrasound is used to rule out deep venous thrombosis. If a clot is present in one of the veins, surgery may be postponed until the clot can be dissolved.

Augmentation

During the ultrasound, a technician squeezes the lower leg to augment blood flow in the vein. If flow reversal is present after augmentation, the vein is considered insufficient.

Location of Varicose Veins

In many clinics, an ultrasound tech draws up a report explaining where the varicosities originate and which veins are insufficient. This is not an official report; it's just the impression of the ultrasound tech.

References

• Vein Clinics of America: Mapping

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