As we age, it’s typical for our legs to develop blue and purple clusters of tiny spider veins. Even a couple larger varicose veins are not unusual. But if you have more than just a smattering of these vein issues, it may be a good idea to check and see if there’s more to the story than simple aging.
Something like venous insufficiency.
At Fort Worth Vein Center, Dr. Oswalt uses vein screening to diagnose venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.
What is vein screening?
The purpose of a vein screening with Dr. Oswalt is to determine if your spider veins and varicose veins are a sign of deeper problems with your veins that can’t necessarily be seen with a cursory exam. A vein screening is a non-invasive test that can determine how a person’s veins are functioning.
What can a vein screening diagnose?
When patients have a few spider veins and more than a single visible varicose vein, we may propose vein screening to see if there is more going on below the visible level. Vein screening may be followed by vein mapping if we feel there are issues that merit further exploration.
With vein screening, Dr. Oswalt is looking for these issues:
- Additional deeper varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Potential blood clots
How is a vein screening performed?
These are simple, non-invasive procedures with Dr. Oswalt.
- First, you’ll discuss your medical history with Dr. Oswalt. This will include any medications you’re taking, family history of varicose veins or venous insufficiency. He is looking for factors that could increase your risk of developing vein disease.
- Second, Dr. Oswalt has you stand on a raised platform, and he examines the veins on your legs. He’s looking for varicose veins or spider veins, along with other signs of venous insufficiency.
- Third, Christen Lehner, our ultrasound technologist, uses an ultrasound handpiece that delivers sound waves onto your veins. This enables Christen and Dr. Oswalt to look for signs of blood pooling and to ascertain how your veins are functioning as a whole.
The vein screening takes just 15 minutes. It is completely non-invasive. There are no incisions, no preparation, no topical numbing. These are simple procedures that can tell Dr. Oswalt a good deal.
If you have a few varicose veins or are having painful symptoms, vein screening at Fort Worth Vein Center could be a good idea. Please call us at (817) 536-9600 to make an appointment.
