Varicose veins are a very common condition that occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to effectively move blood back toward the heart. One way valves normally prevent blood from flowing backwards, but when these valves become weakened, blood begins to pool. This leads to veins becoming enlarged, twisted and sometimes raised beneath the skin.

Symptoms may include visible veins, heaviness or aching in the legs, swelling, throbbing or cramping sensations, and in some cases skin irritation or colour changes. Although sometimes dismissed as cosmetic, varicose veins are a sign of underlying venous insufficiency and can progress without proper assessment.

Ultrasound has become central to understanding and treating this condition. As Dr Haroun Gajraj of the Vein Care Academy explains, “Ultrasound has revolutionised vein treatment.”

Why Duplex Ultrasound Is Essential in Vein Assessment

The primary tool used in diagnosing varicose veins is duplex ultrasound. This combines standard greyscale imaging with Doppler analysis, allowing clinicians to examine the structure of the veins while also observing blood flow in real time.

As Dr Gajraj notes, “Duplex combines anatomical structural imaging with blood flow analysis using Doppler. This allows us to see blockages, valve problems and reflux, those abnormal downflows that lead to varicose veins and complications like eczema, phlebitis and leg ulcers.”

This makes duplex ultrasound invaluable for:

• Identifying the exact vein segments affected
• Locating the source of reflux, rather than only the visible veins
• Planning minimally invasive treatments
• Checking for associated conditions such as deep vein thrombosis

From diagnosis through to follow up, ultrasound provides clarity and accuracy that cannot be achieved with visual assessment alone.

The Use of Ultrasound in Modern Vein Treatment

Most modern treatments for varicose veins are minimally invasive and performed under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound allows the clinician to:

• Identify the correct vein to treat
• Guide the placement of catheters or needles
• Deliver heat or foam sclerosant precisely
• Confirm closure of the vein straight away

This ensures treatment is accurate, safe and targeted to the underlying cause rather than just the visible surface veins.

Portable Ultrasound and Changing Clinical Practice

Access to reliable ultrasound imaging used to be restricted to hospitals or large clinic rooms. Equipment was large and difficult to transport. As Dr Gajraj recalls, earlier so-called portable systems still required wheeled units and cases to move between clinic sites.

Now, however, portable ultrasound devices provide full diagnostic capability in a compact format. Dr Gajraj remarks, “I can carry around this equipment with the same capabilities in my pocket,” when referring to the ScanX Air.

Above: Constantine Metreweli (author of the first book on diagnostic ultrasound) uses the ScanX Air to see varicose veins.

The ScanX Air for Vascular Work

The ScanX Air is a dual headed wireless ultrasound probe that connects to a smartphone or tablet. One end features a convex probe for general imaging, while the high-frequency linear probe on the other end is ideal for visualising superficial veins and assessing valve integrity.

This makes it particularly well suited for varicose vein mapping and for guided procedures. It offers:

• High-resolution imaging for superficial veins
• Colour and pulsed wave Doppler for assessing blood flow
• True portability at only 186 grams
• Wireless convenience and DICOM connectivity

As Dr Gajraj puts it, “While a high-end system will offer more detailed images, the ScanX Air provides diagnostic quality for vein assessment and intervention.” He also highlights its value in training, stating, “Using a machine like this is a great introduction to diagnostic ultrasound. You can practice in your own environment.”

Supporting Better Vein Care in More Places

With more clinicians working across multiple clinic sites or offering community-based care, portable ultrasound makes it easier to bring high-quality vascular assessment directly to patients. It supports earlier diagnosis, guided treatment and follow up without requiring large dedicated imaging setups.

The ScanX Air allows clinicians to maintain diagnostic confidence while gaining greater flexibility in how and where care is provided.