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Ultrasound Diagnosis for Vein Conditions

At La Jolla Vein Care, duplex ultrasound is central to evaluating vein health. This safe, noninvasive test lets our specialists see blood flow in real time, pinpoint the cause of symptoms, and build the most effective treatment plan.
Book an Ultrasound

Why Ultrasound Diagnosis Is Important

Many vein problems aren’t visible on the skin’s surface. Duplex ultrasound gives a detailed view of your veins and blood flow, helping us:
• Identify the cause of symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or heaviness.
•Detect hidden vein disease that may not show as visible varicose or spider veins.
•Measure vein function to confirm blood is moving correctly back to the heart.
•Prevent complications by diagnosing serious conditions early, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation) and is comfortable, quick, and highly informative for both diagnosis and treatment planning.
See Cosmetic Vein Treatments Learn About Varicose Veins

What We Look For During a Vein Ultrasound

Venous Reflux Examination
Venous reflux is the backward flow of blood caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins.

• Why it matters: Reflux can lead to varicose veins, swelling, skin changes, and ulcers if not treated.
• How we check: A duplex ultrasound maps your veins and measures flow direction to assess valve function.
• Outcome: We identify malfunctioning veins so treatment can precisely target the source of symptoms.
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Examination
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins, most often in the legs.
• Why it matters: A clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency.
• How we check: Ultrasound shows if a vein compresses normally and whether blood flow is unobstructed—key signs for detecting a clot.
• Outcome: We diagnose or rule out DVT promptly so treatment can begin right away if needed.
ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index)
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a test that uses inflatable pressure cuffs to assess blood flow in the legs and arms.

• Why it matters: ABI testing is used preoperatively to assess the vascular status of patients undergoing lower extremity surgeries or interventions, ensuring that sufficient blood flow is present.

• How we check: ABI compares the blood pressures in a patient’s ankle arteries with the arteries in their arms in order to indicate if the patient is receiving adequate blood flow in their feet.

Your Ultrasound Visit

• Comfortable & needle-free: No incisions or radiation.
• On-site imaging: Scans are performed in our clinic by certified vascular technologists.
• Same-day discussion: A vein specialist reviews your images with you and explains next steps.
• Personalized plan: Findings guide a tailored treatment approach for lasting results.
Schedule your Ultrasound

Ultrasound FAQ

Yes. It uses sound waves, not radiation, and is considered safe, noninvasive, and painless.

Most studies take 30–60 minutes depending on the areas evaluated.

Most studies take 30–60 minutes depending on the areas evaluated.

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Laser Vein Treatment

Laser Vein Pre-Treatment Instructions
laser for spider veins
1. Discontinue medications or supplements that may thin your blood one week prior to vein treatments to minimize bruising and improve the success of your treatment. This includes fish oil, flax seed oil, Vitamin E, ginkgo blob, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), and red wine. If you are taking aspirin electively and not upon the advice of your physician, then you may stop it for 48 hours prior to your treatment. Do not stop aspirin if prescribed or recommended by your physician.

2. You may wish to bring a pair of shorts to wear during your treatment if you are having your legs treated.

3. If facial veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising and/or swelling following treatment. This can typically be covered using make-up. Plan accordingly since your face may show slight evidence of the laser treatment for a week or more.

4. If leg veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising, discoloration, and welting over treatment sites. Larger leg veins may appear bruised for a period of time after treatment. Full results can take weeks or months to be realized. Plan and schedule treatments accordingly, allowing for healing time and time for your treatment results to evolve to completion. The best time to treat leg veins are in fall, winter and spring when you are less inclined to wear shorts or be exposed to sun.

5. Plan treatments allowing for a period of no sun exposure, vigorous activity or useof hot tubs, saunas or spas for 48 hours after treatment.
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VARITHENA® CHEMICAL ABLATION

illustration of varithena foam injection
Varithena® may be recommended based on your vein location, size, anatomy and vein tortuosity.
Varithena® is:
• Effective to treat veins of different sizes above and below the knee
• Requires no incisions, sedation or general anesthesia
• Does not require a wire to be inserted along the length of your vein
• Does not use heat, eliminating the risk of thermal injury
WHAT IS VARITHENA®?
Varithena® is a "microfoam" formulation of polidocanol (sclerosing agent) and CO2. The result is a microfoam that has an appearance and consistency similar to white, foamy shave cream.
Ultrasound guidance is used to inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. The microfoam fills the lumen for circumferential contact where it's designed to displace blood and destroy the endothelial lining efficiently.
cross section of Illustration of a vein with foam sclerotherapy injection
Video below shows the proceedure.
How many treatments will I need?
The number and frequency of treatments depends on a patient's anatomy, how quickly the veins respond, and the patient's treatment goals. There is a limit on the amount of medication we can give you each day to avoid causing side effects. Some larger or resistant veins may require two treatments to respond completely but most veins respond to Varithena® after one treatment.
What should I expect on my treatment days?
You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins. The foam medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. The foam fills and treats the desired section of the vein. The diseased vein collapses and the foam is deactivated. Your legs will be elevated on a comfortable wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.

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¿Puedo obtener cobertura de seguro para mi tratamiento de venas?
Dependiendo de su plan de seguro, es posible que tenga o no gastos de bolsillo. Trabajamos con sus aseguradoras para maximizar su cobertura y brindarle un resumen completo del costo de su tratamiento. Creemos en la transparencia de costos y le proporcionaremos un estimado de cualquier gasto de bolsillo previsto. El costo es importante. ¡Podemos colaborar con su seguro para obtener esta información hoy mismo!
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Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a Harvard-trained, board-certified vascular interventional radiologist. She specializes in a broad range of superficial vein disease including varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and cosmetic laser vein treatments. Dr. Steinberger sees patients in our La Jolla Office.

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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may or may not have out of pocket expenses. We work with your insurance providers to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
With Molina insurance plans, most patients should not have out of pocket expenses. We work with Molina to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!