Color Doppler Ultrasound

Duplex ultrasound imaging is arguably the single most important advance in Phlebology, the medical discipline concerned with the veins. For veins to be treated properly, the exact location of venous reflux needs to be identified and any contraindications to treatment need to be ruled out. This is exactly what we accomplish with the use of a venous doppler ultrasound.

At Chicago Vein Institute, our Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) performs the complete diagnostic evaluation of the deep and superficial venous systems to identify damaged veins and valves and pinpoint the location of venous reflux.

The venous ultrasound is painless, harmless, and noninvasive. Ultrasound gel is rubbed onto the area in question and the imaging device is moved along the area to see what lies underneath. Patients are required to wear loose clothing, which will be provided by Chicago Vein Institute. Patients can expect the complete ultrasound appointment to last 90 minutes.

Technique varies slightly depending on the area of the body that we need to be examined. Some of the different types of Doppler ultrasound we perform include:

• Color Doppler ultrasound
• Doppler ultrasound for DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
• Arterial Doppler ultrasound

Though it is always done using the same equipment, the technique used by your ultrasound technician will vary. It is important to use a vein center that specializes in your specific vein disease so that they can maximize the effectiveness of treatments.