The job of our veins is to return blood to our heart to be circulated again. Inside our veins, there are one-way valves that permit the blood to flow up the leg and then close to prevent backwards flow with gravity’s pull. A varicose vein, by definition, has broken valves which allows the blood to
flow backwards down the vein. This back pressure congests the vein, can cause it to bulge out and leads to the common symptoms of heaviness and aching in the leg.
Ultrasound technology allows us to create a vein “map” to understand which veins are functioning normally and which veins are not. From this, we can formulate a treatment plan specific to each individual leg. This ultrasound should be performed in the standing position to truly evaluate vein flow against gravity.
At Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, we perform this ultrasound in-office at the time of our initial consultation, and we take pride in taking our time to do it the right way. A well-performed ultrasound is critical to appropriate vein treatment, and is one aspect that sets our Albuquerque vein clinic apart from others. We will work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage for this procedure. Deanna, our Registered Vascular Specialist, is one of New Mexico’s experts in performing venous ultrasound.
Along with being a board-certified physician, I am also a Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS), a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), with the skills and knowledge to perform vascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of vein disease and accurately interpret the test results in the determination of most optimal treatment protocol.
If you suffer with varicose veins, call 505-858-VEIN (8346) to schedule your initial consultation.
-Dr. Robert Cutchen