A duplex scan is used to map the veins that have faulty valves and those that are working normally to allow your Surgeon to plan the best treatment for you. The test is painless and does not use any radiation or needles.

What will Happen?

  • You may eat and drink as usual prior to the test and you do not need to remove your hearing aid or glasses.
  • You will be asked to keep your underwear on but you will need to remove trousers, tights, stockings shoes and socks so we can access the skin from your groin to the ankle.
  • You will most likely be asked to stand on a platform for the scan but occasionally we may ask you to lay on your back on a bed so we can scan the veins deep in your tummy.
  • A water-based gel, which may feel cold, and a probe will be placed onto your leg (see above image).
  • Images will appear on the screen of your blood vessels, similar to the picture above. You may hear some noises from the machine but this is perfectly routine.
  • At certain points in the scan, we may press into your leg or squeeze it to get the blood moving. We may also ask you to cough or perform a small breathing test. All of this will be carefully explained too you during your scan by the vascular scientist.
  • A clinical vascular scientist (who might be male or female) will perform and interpret your ultrasound scan.
  • Some people experience dizziness or feel faint during the examination. This is a normal response and can be relieved by lying flat. Please inform the scientist if you experience these symptoms during your visit.

Pelvic vein incompetence

Following multiple pregnancies, otherwise healthy women can develop chronic pelvic pain caused by dilation of veins deep within the pelvis that supply the ovaries. In up to 80% of women with unexplained pelvic pain, the valves within the pelvic veins have become faulty. This is a condition known as pelvic vein incompetence and can result in new or recurrent varicose veins in the vagina or vulvar area that spreading into the inner upper thigh or back of the thigh.

What will Happen?

  • You may eat and drink as usual prior to the test and you do not need to remove your hearing aid or glasses.
  • We will perform a simple transvaginal (internal) pelvic ultrasound.
  • You will be asked to remove the clothes on your lower body and lay on an examination couch while being covered with a sheet to protect your dignity.
  • The scan will only be performed by a female Vascular Scientist.
  • The tip of an ultrasound probe will be gently inserted into the vagina and will be covered with a sterile protective sheath and lubricating gel.
  • The probe is a little bigger than the size of a finger or a tampon.
  • Images will appear on the screen of your blood vessels. You may hear some noises from the machine but this is perfectly routine.
  • At certain points in the scan, we may press into your leg or squeeze it to get the blood moving. We may also ask you to cough or perform a small breathing test or ask you to change position. All of this will be carefully explained too you during your scan by the vascular scientist.
  • A clinical vascular scientist (who will be female) will perform and interpret your ultrasound scan.
  • Some people experience dizziness or feel faint during the examination. This is a normal response and can be relieved by lying flat. Please inform the scientist if you experience these symptoms during your visit.

Fig 1 – varicose veins that extend over the buttock and particularly across the back of the thigh.
Fig 2 – Vulvar varicose veins extending over the buttocks. These are often referred as “atypical” varicose veins.

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