What is a Venous Doppler Ultrasound Exam?
A venous Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic test used to check the circulation in the large veins in the legs (or sometimes the arms). This exam shows any blockage in the veins by a blood clot or “thrombus” formation. Normal Circulation The veins return blood to the heart. There are two sets of veins in the legs: • Deep veins – which are underneath the leg muscles. • Superficial veins – which are right underneath the surface of the skin. The veins in the leg deflate easily; blood flows under low pressure and against gravity. Two things help the blood pump more efficiently: • The calf “muscle pump.” As you walk, calf muscle movement pushes blood upward. • Venous valves – the one-way valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing back into your feet. Thrombophlebitis Superficial thrombophlebitis is a clot that has formed in the veins near the surface of your skin. Clotting can occur after injury or in old varicose veins. Superficial thrombophlebitis usually responds very well to loc
