Research methods
In order to get to the bottom of the cause of your complaints, we carry out specific investigations following a medical consultation and a physical examination:
- Venous ultrasound (duplex sonography of the veins)
- Light reflection rheography (LRR) of the veins
- MRI phlebography
Venous ultrasound (duplex sonography of the veins)
Ultrasound is an elementary diagnostic tool in phlebology and angiology. The examination allows the vessels to be visualised non-invasively.
On the one hand, the position and size of the vessels are assessed in the B-scan and, on the other hand, the additional Doppler examination in the colour-coded duplex sonography allows flow directions and flow velocity to be recorded.
The advantages are: no X-rays are used, no contrast agent harmful to the kidneys is required (in contrast to angiographic vascular imaging in X-rays with the use of X-ray contrast agents) and the examination is absolutely painless.
The examination is used in phlebology to assess, among other things:
- Varicose veins (varicosis)
- Superficial or deep vein thrombosis
Light reflection rheography (LRR) of the veins
This test, also known as the muscle pump test, measures the functionality of the veins and venous valves. When the calf muscles are tensed, the blood filling of the superficial veins decreases; when they are relaxed, it increases again. This slightly changes the skin contrast, which is registered by a sensor. A shortened time of this venous refilling when the leg muscles relax indicates venous weakness in varicose veins (varices).
MRI phlebography
In an MRI phlebography, strong magnetic fields and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images to visualise the veins and their course, which are not accessible to a sonographic examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also known as magnetic resonance imaging, is performed with or without a contrast agent depending on the indication and enables an accurate assessment of the veins, e.g. in pelvic vein congestion syndrome, in order to visualise the ovarian veins and the internal and external pelvic veins.