When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a basic medical history form and venous questionnaire. A Washington University vein specialist will ask you questions about your general health, medical history and symptoms. The doctor will examine your legs to document any abnormal veins or other circulation abnormalities. Usually, photographs will be obtained of any abnormal veins or skin problems. To confirm a diagnosis of varicose veins, your physician may order a duplex ultrasound test. The test can take approximately 20 minutes for each leg.

Venous duplex ultrasound uses painless, high-frequency sound waves. Your surgeon uses duplex ultrasound to see the structure of your leg veins and to look for the presence of clotted segments of vein. Specialized ultrasound testing to check for “wrong-way” venous blood flow through damaged or incompetent valves is also routinely performed.