The examination is recorded by a computer, which converts the images into movements. This gives the doctor plenty of time to study all the movements they have analyzed and provide you with a detailed report.
How is a vein examination performed?
If you have lipedema and want to treat it, a venous examination will be essential. But what exactly is a "venous examination" and what is it used for if you have already been diagnosed?
What is a vein examination?
A venous examination, also known as a Doppler ultrasound, is a medical imaging test that involves observing the veins in the arms or legs and their blood flow using moving images.
It relies on two techniques: the first, which you are probably familiar with, is ultrasound. The second is theDopplerfunction: the ultrasound probe studies the frequency of sound waves, which is modified if the waves are reflected by a moving target. In this case, the target is red blood cells, or blood flow.
The aim is to enable a better diagnosis of your disorders and their impact on your limbs. The venous network will be particularly clear and is usually color-coded: blue if blood circulation is normal, red if it is flowing backwards (indicating reflux).
How is it done?
It is performed using ultrasound, with a probe that is moved over the limbs being examined. This technique has many advantages: it is completely painless, harmless, and non-intrusive.
Therefore, it can be recommended at any age and repeated as often as necessary,which is very useful for monitoring the progression of lipedema and the impact of treatments. Similarly, it can identify and define the location of venous thrombosis, as well as the size of the clot obstructing the vein. This is very useful if you suffer from lipedema, which is often associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
In practical terms, how does the exam work?
The examination must be performed by a specialist—a radiologist, physician, or vascular surgeon. After asking you a few questions about your treatments, your health, or any surgery you have undergone, the specialist will have you sit on a stool, first facing forward and then facing backward. In some cases, you may also be asked to sit on an examination table. The specialist will then apply a gel to the affected limbs.
In the case of lipedema, this will involve your legs and/or arms. This will allow the ultrasound waves to circulate more effectively. The technician will then place the probe in contact with the skin. They may perform manual compressions using the probe to better study the direction of blood flow and diagnose any reflux or thrombosis.
The examination lasts around 30 minutes on average, so make sure you allow plenty of time when booking your appointment. Avoid applying creams or oils to the affected limbs, as these can interfere with the ultrasound. As we have seen, the doctor will apply a gel anyway.
How are images formed?
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