Is Ultrasound Necessary for Varicose Vein Treatment?

If you have varicose veins, it might not have taken long for a cosmetic problem to turn into a serious medical condition. With symptoms that include pain, heaviness, fatigue, throbbing, burning, itching and swelling, varicose veins can make life seem unmanageable. Thus, you’re likely considering treatment so you can move beyond your symptoms and get back to life. First, though, you want to get more information on treatment, including finding out if you need to get an ultrasound. 

Ultrasound has revolutionized  the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins.  There's no more guessing where the abnormal veins are and has made treating the veins into much simplier outpatient procedures. Ultrasound is now required by all insurance companies before any kind of varicose vein treatment. The treatment procedures are fast and painless, and there is no significant downtime. Find out why an ultrasound is necessary, and then you can get evaluated to see if you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive treatments of your varicose veins.  

Why Is an Ultrasound Necessary for Varicose Vein Treatment?

First, it’s important to understand that most insurance companies require that patients undergo a diagnostic ultrasound before having a radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), or other varicose vein procedures. If you fail to get an ultrasound, your insurance company might deny the claim. 

However, that’s just one of the reasons that you need to get an ultrasound. Your provider will also require it so he or she can take a closer look at your veins to check for damaged valves and blood flow issues. Plus, the ultrasound helps the doctor map out your veins and create a personalized treatment plan. This is a critical component of a successful procedure.  

Will You Need an Ultrasound After the Procedure?

You’ll also need an ultrasound after your procedure. Your vein doctor will need to make sure that the treatment closed off the appropriate vein, so that the blood will flow without pooling. Additionally, your provider will use the ultrasound to evaluate for blood clots and to check your deep veins. Treating varicose veins can actually improve the function of other normal veins, since they aren’t exposed to increased pressures. Thus, you might not need additional treatment for other veins that previously appeared problematic. Sometimes abnormalities seen on an initial ultrasound improve after varicose vein treatment, even in areas that weren’t part of the treatment plan, like the deep veins.  

Learn More About Treatment for Varicose Veins

Dr. Vinay Madan is a board certified Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist.  He specializes in interpreting ultrasounds  and preforming varicose vein treatments at the Center for Varicose Veins.  First, Dr. Madan will evaluate you and map out your abnormal veins. You will have the opportunity to sit with Dr. Madan to review your ultrasound and learn about your treatment options.  Treatments are minimally invasive and include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)  and foam sclerotherapy. Call (203)762-6365 for more information or book online and get your legs back to healthy.

Author

Dr. Vinay Madan, MD, DABVLM Dr. Vinay Madan is a board certified Interventional Radiologist and Phlebologist with over 25 years of experience in treating vein disease. Dr. Madan has served as the Chairman of Radiology and Section Head of Vascular Interventional Radiology at Eastern Connecticut Health Network. Dr. Madan brings a wealth of knowledge which allows him to treat patients with cosmetic and medical vein disease in a caring and compassionate way.