Diagnosis
The key to effective treatment of venous disorders is accurate diagnosis. The first step in this process is a careful physical examination by a knowledgeable practitioner. In keeping with the Vein Center's goal of providing the latest treatments, the facility also maintains the highest standards in diagnostic technology. A comprehensive Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory is on site and staffed full time by a Registered Vascular Technologist.
- Physical Examination
- VenoScope Transillumination
- Continuous Wave Doppler
- Color Flow Duplex Ultrasound
Physical Examination
With over thirty years of experience as a surgeon, Dr. Ingram long ago recognized the importance of using his ears as well as his eyes and hands in evaluating patients. First, he carefully listens to the description of the problem and goes over the medical history. The examination follows, with particular attention to the entire vascular system, both arterial and venous.
VenoScope Transillumination
Sometimes abnormal veins apparent to the patient at the end of a long day might not be easy to see at a morning office visit. (Just like 
when you take the car to the mechanic and it runs fine.) The VenoScope vein light shines light through the skin and reveals those small but painful varicose veins as well as feeder veins that frequently aggravate spider veins. The instrument is routinely used for diagnostic purposes and often is helpful in assisting with treatments as well.
Continuous Wave Doppler
The doppler is an invaluable tool in the hands of a vascular surgeon and for anyone who examines the venous system. A painless device that uses sound waves to detect blood flow, in the hands of an experienced vein specialist the doppler is used to determine whether the valves in veins are working properly. This reveals the precise origin of the abnormal veins, which is the key to proper treatment.
Color Flow Duplex Ultrasound
This state-of-the-art instrument has become the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of venous disease. It provides direct visualization of the veins as well as velocity and direction of blood flow. It is the medical procedure of choice for the detection of blood clots. By combining accurate assessment of the size and shape of blood vessels with functional evaluation of blood flow, this modality is ideal for assuring correct diagnosis and planning the most appropriate treatments.