Lower limbs venous ultrasonography

Lower limbs venous ultrasonography
Medical diagnostics
Ultrasonography equipment. Sonographic scanner
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Ultrasonography of leg veins is a risk-free, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to give information about the anatomy, physiology and pathology of both the superficial and the deep venous systems, (SVS) and (DVS). It is indicated mainly on the study of two pathologies: venous thrombosis and venous insufficiency. As with heart ultrasound (echocardiography) studies, venous ultrasonography requires an understanding of hemodynamics in order to give useful examination reports. In chronic venous insufficiency, sonographic examination is of most benefit; in confirming varicose disease, making an assessment of the hemodynamics, and charting the progression of the disease and its response to treatment. It has become the reference standard for examining the condition and hemodynamics of the lower limb veins.

Particular veins of the DVS and the SVS are looked at. The great saphenous vein (GSV) is a superficial vein which connects with the small saphenous vein (SSV) to drain into the common femoral vein (CFV). Perforator veins drain superficial veins into the deep veins. Three anatomic compartments are described (as networks), (N1) containing the deep veins, (N2) containing the perforator veins, and (N3) containing the superficial veins, known as the saphenous compartment,. This compartmentalisation makes it easier for the examiner to systematize and map. The GSV can be located in the saphenous compartment where together with the Giacomini vein and the accessory saphenous vein (ASV) an image resembling an eye, known as the 'eye sign' can be seen. The ASV which is often responsible for varicose veins, can be located at the 'alignment sign', where it is seen to align with the femoral vessels. Together with the GSV and the CFV these three veins create an image called the 'Mickey Mouse' sign. The examination report will include details of the deep and the superficial vein systems, and their mapping. The mapping is drawn on paper and then drawn on the patient before surgery.