Varicose Vein Doppler Ultrasound
Specialist venous duplex ultrasound to assess varicose veins, venous reflux and venous insufficiency in the legs.
Our private varicose vein ultrasound service provides a detailed assessment of the superficial and deep veins from our vascular diagnostic clinic in Central London.
What is a varicose vein Doppler scan?
A varicose vein Doppler ultrasound, also known as a venous duplex scan, is a non-invasive ultrasound examination used to assess the veins and blood flow in the legs.
Varicose veins can develop when valves within the veins do not function effectively. This can allow blood to flow backwards, known as venous reflux, and contribute to enlarged or visible veins.
The ultrasound allows the deep and superficial veins to be examined and can identify areas of reflux or venous insufficiency that may be contributing to varicose veins and associated symptoms.
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation.
What does a varicose vein ultrasound check?
A venous Doppler scan provides information about the anatomy of the veins and the direction of blood flow within them.
Deep veins
The deeper venous system can be examined as part of the assessment of circulation within the leg.
Superficial veins
The superficial venous system is assessed to identify abnormal veins and patterns associated with varicose veins.
Direction of blood flow
Doppler ultrasound allows the direction and characteristics of blood flow through the veins to be evaluated.
Venous reflux
The examination can identify backward flow of blood caused by valves that are not functioning effectively.
Venous insufficiency
The scan helps assess whether venous valve dysfunction is contributing to chronic venous insufficiency.
Varicose vein mapping
The pattern and distribution of abnormal veins can be assessed to provide useful diagnostic information.
When might a venous Doppler scan be useful?
A varicose vein ultrasound may be requested when visible varicose veins or symptoms suggest an underlying problem with venous circulation.
Ultrasound can help establish what is happening beneath the skin rather than assessing the appearance of the veins alone.
What happens during a varicose vein ultrasound?
Venous duplex ultrasound is non-invasive and uses ultrasound imaging together with Doppler assessment of blood flow.
Clinical history
Relevant symptoms and the reason for your venous ultrasound assessment are reviewed.
Ultrasound examination
Ultrasound gel is applied and the veins are examined using an ultrasound probe.
Doppler assessment
Blood flow and venous valve function are assessed to identify reflux or other relevant findings.
Results
The ultrasound findings are documented to support your clinical pathway and any appropriate next steps.
Why a duplex ultrasound matters
Varicose veins visible on the surface do not necessarily show the full pattern of the underlying venous circulation.
A venous duplex ultrasound provides diagnostic information about the deeper and superficial veins, blood flow and venous valve function.
This can help determine whether venous reflux or venous insufficiency is present and provide information that may be useful when discussing appropriate management with a healthcare professional.
Varicose vein Doppler scan prices
Private venous duplex ultrasound is available for one or both legs from our Central London clinic.
If you are unsure whether you require a unilateral or bilateral examination, contact us before booking.
A routine varicose vein assessment is different from an ultrasound performed for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If your symptoms have developed suddenly, particularly new one-sided leg swelling or pain, tell us when you contact the clinic so the appropriate examination can be considered. If you develop severe symptoms such as chest pain, significant breathlessness, collapse or other symptoms requiring emergency attention, seek urgent medical care.
Varicose vein ultrasound in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist vascular ultrasound from our clinic on Charing Cross Road in Central London.
We assess patients requiring private venous Doppler and duplex ultrasound for varicose veins, venous insufficiency and other vascular conditions.
Varicose vein ultrasound FAQs
Common questions about venous Doppler and varicose vein duplex ultrasound.
What is a varicose vein Doppler ultrasound?
A varicose vein Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive examination of the veins and blood flow in the legs. It is also commonly referred to as a venous duplex ultrasound scan.
What does a venous duplex scan show?
Venous duplex ultrasound can assess the deep and superficial veins, evaluate blood flow and identify venous reflux or venous insufficiency.
Can ultrasound identify the cause of varicose veins?
Ultrasound can identify patterns of venous reflux and valve dysfunction that may contribute to the development of varicose veins.
How much is a private varicose vein ultrasound?
At Tunica Diagnostics, a unilateral venous insufficiency scan for one leg is £199 and a bilateral examination of both legs is £350.
Is a varicose vein ultrasound painful?
Venous ultrasound is non-invasive. Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and an ultrasound probe is moved over the areas being examined.
Does a venous Doppler scan use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and does not use ionising radiation.
Is a varicose vein scan the same as a DVT scan?
No. Although both examinations use venous ultrasound, they answer different clinical questions. A varicose vein duplex scan primarily assesses venous reflux and insufficiency, while a DVT ultrasound is specifically performed to assess for deep vein thrombosis.
Where can I have a private varicose vein scan in London?
Tunica Diagnostics provides private varicose vein Doppler and venous duplex ultrasound from 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Book a varicose vein Doppler scan
Arrange a private venous duplex ultrasound for varicose veins and venous insufficiency at our Central London vascular diagnostic clinic.