[Medical Q&A] Can ultrasound not only diagnose varicose veins in the lower limbs, but also treat them?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Wang Yandong, Chief Physician, Tianjin Third Central Hospital

Varicose veins of the lower limbs are a common vascular disease, which is mainly manifested by the dilation, elongation, and curvature of the veins in the lower limbs. In severe cases, symptoms such as swelling, pain, and skin ulcers may occur in the lower limbs. Ultrasound examination is a commonly used method for diagnosing varicose veins of the lower limbs. Doctors can use ultrasound probes to image the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, common femoral vein, superficial femoral vein, deep femoral vein and other lower limb veins, observe the shape, thickness, structure of the veins, and the direction and speed of venous blood flow, identify the diseased venous segments, and assess the scope and severity of varicose veins, thereby assisting doctors in making a clear diagnosis of varicose veins in the lower limbs and providing a basis for subsequent treatment.

After confirming the diagnosis of varicose veins in the lower limbs, the doctor will formulate a treatment plan based on the information obtained from various examinations and the actual situation of the patient, either surgical treatment or conservative treatment. During surgical treatment, ultrasound technology can help doctors locate the diseased veins and ensure the accuracy and safety of the operation. In order to reduce damage to patients, minimally invasive treatment under ultrasound guidance has gradually become a commonly used treatment method. For example: under ultrasound guidance, a sclerosant can be directly injected into the diseased vein to promote vein closure, which is sclerotherapy; under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency catheter can also be inserted into the vein to destroy the vein wall through heat energy to promote vein closure, which is radiofrequency ablation. Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive treatment causes less trauma to patients, reduces the risk of complications, and speeds up patients' recovery.