Venous Reflux Study

A venous reflux study is a noninvasive study used to assess venous insufficiency. 

Often patients present with symptoms of venous insufficiency which include:

• Dull aching, heaviness, or cramping in the legs

• Pain relieved with leg elevation and aggravated while standing

• Edema (swelling of the legs)

• Skin discoloration

• Prominent veins (varicose veins)

• Skin ulcers

• Itching, tingling, burning, or throbbing sensation in the legs or feet

• Leg weakness

• There is no risk associated with this study.
• No radiation exposure is used during this study.

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your self
• Do not wear Compression Stockings for 12 hours prior to exam.
• No caffeine 12 hours prior to your test
• You may follow your daily eating habits before and after the study.
• Clothing will need to be removed over the area being examined. You may consider wearing shorts for the study, if not a gown will be provided.

• You will lie on a table while a trained ultrasound technician applies a clear jelly over the desired area. A probe is used to glide over this jelly which helps in transmission of sound waves through the skin.
• The probe is pressed firmly over the skin in various angles and locations tracing over the area of interest. The limb may be squeezed at various times to check for the flow of blood through the vein. These sound waves show up as images on a monitor to be recorded and interpreted.
• The study may last up to 30-45 minutes.

After the study is over, the jelly is wiped off and you may return to your daily activities.

• The results of the study will show as either normal or abnormal.
• A normal study shows normal blood flow with no evidence of venous insufficiency.
• An abnormal study shows reduced blood flow with or without venous insufficiency.
• This study helps in coming to a conclusion to some of the symptoms you may be having as well as detecting any other abnormal findings.