Vein Scans and Treatments
Vein scans & treatments
Veins in the lower leg can become faulty causing 70% of leg ulcers. This can happen due to natural wear and tear of getting older or in younger people who are on their feet for long periods of time or the veins become damaged from injury or pregnancy.
The symptoms of faulty veins include leg; aching/throbbing, heaviness, itch/burning sensations, cramping or skin changes like dry or thickening or the skin becoming stained in discoloration (brown/purple/red).
Faulty leg veins can sometimes be visible on the skin as spider or varicose veins however, many faulty veins are deeper under the skin and not visible to the naked eye.
At Pioneer are proud to partner with the UK Vein clinic and their specialist team of vascular surgeons and clinicians to offer patients both leg ulcer wound care and vein treatments all from the same clinic.
Doppler (ABPI/TBPI) tests
A doppler test is a simple, non-invasive test used to measure how well blood is flowing in your legs. Your blood pressure is completed as normal on your arms and then also on your ankles (or toes if you have painful legs). The doppler test result helps your clinician understand if either your veins or arteries, or both are contributing to your leg ulcer/swelling. Knowing the underlying cause is key to choosing the right treatment plan for you.
Compression therapy is very effective but is not suitable for individuals with some circulation problems. A doppler test must be completed before compression therapy begins to ensure the therapy is safe to be used.
Doppler tests are available for patients at Pioneer as a Pay As You Go appointment or are included as part of a leg ulcer 1st full assessment appointment and all leg ulcer care packages.
Duplex Scans
A duplex scan is more advanced than a doppler test. Duplex is an ultrasound scan using a hand held camera which allows your clinician to visualise exactly which veins are causing your blood flow issues that may be responsible for your leg ulcer and its slow healing. The scan will also be able to determine if you have faulty veins and whether they are suitable for surgical correction.
Duplex scans are available for patients at Pioneer on a Pay As You Go or as part of a package plan via a self referral form.
Vein treatments
There are two vein treatments available:
After vein treatment, the faulty veins can no longer contribute to slow leg ulcer healing and your risk of a leg ulcer coming back is significantly reduced.
Vein correction surgery is available for patients at Pioneer on a Pay As You Go or as part of a package plan.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a faulty leg vein, we’re here to help.
FAQs
The scan and discussion on your results is approximately 45 minutes.
During your initial appointment, you’ll meet one of our specialist vascular sonographers who will conduct the ultrasound assessment. Based on the findings, we will inform you if you would benefit from vein treatment, if so, we will explain what your options are.
Varicose vein treatment is permanent, and once veins are closed they remain closed. New varicose veins may form in the future, and our dedicated aftercare team are here to provide you with ongoing support.
“I received excellent care from all staff and would like to convey my thanks to all for looking and caring for me.”
– Mr Prem Khanna
