Venous Ultrasound
Venous ultrasound is the number one diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of chronic venous hypertension (CVH), the root cause of varicose vein disease. Not only do we use it for diagnosis but most of our procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance. This allows us to be very specific and target only the veins we want to treat and avoid the veins that are functioning properly. We also use ultrasound to ensure closure of the treated veins post procedures. It is the most valuable tool in our office and we offer the most up-to-date equipment.
While ankle swelling, skin discoloration, or poor wound healing are visible signs of Varicose Vein disease, other signs aren’t always visible. To truly know what is happening, we need to see beneath your skin and inside your body’s venous system, specifically the Saphenous Veins, or the network of veins that work to deliver deoxygenated blood back to your heart. That’s why at Illinois Vein Specialists, we use Vascular Ultrasonography, operated by Dr. Perlmutter, who is certified in vascular ultrasound, or our Registered Vascular Technicians (RVT).
Using a venous ultrasound, we can map the veins in your body and obtain a more thorough view of what’s happening beneath your skin. Dr. Perlmutter uses these images to more accurately diagnose those areas that may be suffering from vein &/or lymphatic disease. The venous ultrasound also aids Dr. Perlmutter to determine which vein treatment (e.g. Endovenous Laser Therapy, VenaSeal™ , or Sclerotherapy) is best to remedy your specific venous insufficiency.
The venous ultrasound images help guide Dr. Perlmutter and IVS’ medical team to accurately target and treat impacted veins without disturbing the healthy veins in the targeted area. This reduces the amount of time spent in recovery and allows these treatments like Endovenous Laser Therapy to be as minimally invasive as possible.
** NOTE **:
IVS and Dr. Perlmutter do NOT perform a procedures called “vein ligation” or “vein stripping”. These out-of-date treatments are painful, requires a long recovery period, and are only successful about 50% of the time.
