Q & A with the Docs: Vein Mapping + Superficial Blood Clots
This week we dive into two commonly asked questions around vein mapping and what it is exactly, and the second question is why someone may get frequent superficial blood clots. Both of these questions are answered by our owner and medical director, Lornell E. Hansen II, MD.
Q: What causes frequent superficial blood clots?
A: Frequent superficial blood clots can be caused by venous insufficiency and varicose veins or it could be possible that you have an underlying blood clotting disorder called a thrombophilia. I would recommend that you see a vein specialist such as those at Physicians Vein Clinics. The vein specialist will analyze your veins for anatomical problems such as varicose veins or venous insufficiency. If that is not the problem, you should be evaluated for thrombophilias. There are a multitude of thrombophilias that increase your risk of developing blood clots and if left untreated, could result in a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which could lead to a pulmonary embolism and possible death. I would highly recommend that you are evaluated by a vein specialist.
Q: What exactly is vein mapping?
A: Vein mapping is a completely pain-free evaluation of the veins in your legs using a duplex ultrasound. At Physicians Vein Clinics, one of the registered vascular technologists (RVT) will use the duplex ultrasound to evaluate the veins in your leg for reflux. Reflux is when the blood is flowing in the wrong direction in the veins. The RVT will then "map" out the veins for the physician. The map then identifies which veins are not working correctly. A vein mapping should always be completed with you in a standing position.
These questions were answered by our board-certified physician, Dr. Hansen, MD, DABVLM, RPhS. You can find Dr. Hansen in our Sioux Falls, SD; Watertown, SD; and Moorhead, MN vein clinics.
Schedule a Consultation with Physicians Vein Clinics
We have 10 vein clinic locations across South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. Our vein specialists are board-certified and highly skilled in treating spider veins, varicose veins and other vein-related symptoms. Schedule your consultation today to jump-start your vein treatment!