Diagnosis

A formerly rather painful affair

Phlebography (contrast examination)

Until a few years ago, contrast examination of the veins was standard procedure: Contrast agent is injected into the back (dorsum) of the foot while the course of the contrast agent is shown by x-ray photographs. The examination (phlebography) is discomforting, in part even painful. Prior to the examination, allergy to the contrast agent must be excluded. Though the diagnostic value for the surgeon remains doubtful, the examination is still considered state of the art in cases of suspected thrombosis of the lower leg (obstruction of the deep veins of the leg) as well in certain cases of relapsing varicosity.

Colour duplex sonography (ultrasound examination)

Standard worldwide, yet unfortunately in Austria not provided by each institution: During the examination, the patient stands/sits/lies in front of the examiner, who follows the course of the veins with a transducer. The procedure is absolutely painless, though standing for extended times may be discomforting to some patients. There is no exposure to x-rays. The dominant advantage of the method is the possibility to mark diseased veins as early as during the examination. This “mapping” – in the optimal case performed by the surgeon – facilitates “custom-made” (patient-oriented) operating, which in turn facilitates more efficient and protective intervention

Doppler test (Ultrasound examination)

Simple examination by means of small pocket-size device. The examinant directs an ultrasound probe at the large-scale superficial veins und thereby detects valve insufficiencies. The Doppler however does not facilitate visualization of the vein system.

Veinlite

Modern device of US-origin. Superficial layers of the skin are displayed by a physical effect. The method is used for the displaying of reticular veins. Veinlite facilitates in particular the displaying of feeding veins in spider-burst.

Light reflex rheography

The flow rate of the blood is measured by a probe attached to the leg. Operative intervention can be simulated through compression of the veins by a cuff. The examination may also be useful to find out whether an intervention in the vein system would provide primarily medical or simply cosmetic results.

Dynamic Doppler Test

The method determines functional losses of venous valves in motion (walking)

Farbduplex
Veinlite