At Canada Vein Clinics, every vein assessment starts with a duplex ultrasound done while you stand. Standing lets gravity show how your vein valves really work, so the scan finds the leaking vein behind your varicose veins and guides the right treatment, whether that is VenaSeal, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), ClariVein or sclerotherapy.
What a duplex ultrasound shows
A duplex ultrasound combines a picture of the vein with a measurement of blood flow. It shows which veins are healthy, which are leaking, how large they are and the path they take down the leg. It is painless and uses sound waves, not radiation.
Why standing matters
Healthy leg veins have one-way valves that keep blood moving up toward the heart. When valves fail, blood flows backward, called reflux. Reflux is driven by gravity, so it is easiest to see when you are upright. A scan done lying down can underestimate it or miss it entirely. Scanning you standing gives your physician an accurate map of the problem.
What to expect at your scan
- Wear or bring shorts so the ultrasound technician can reach your legs from the groin to the ankle.
- You stand on a low platform while warm gel and a small probe are moved along the leg.
- The ultrasound technician may ask you to tense a muscle or may gently squeeze your calf to test the valves.
- Both legs are usually checked, because vein problems are often on both sides.
What happens next
Your ultrasound comes before your consultation, so the vein physician can review the results with you and explain your options. If treatment is recommended, you receive a written cost estimate before anything is booked.
Is it covered?
In Ontario, the ultrasound and consultation are covered by OHIP with a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner. In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick the consultation is covered with a referral and the ultrasound has a fee. Treatment itself is not covered; many patients use a Health Spending Account. See our coverage guide.
Where to have your scan
Canada Vein Clinics has 15 clinics across Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In the Greater Toronto Area, see our GTA clinics; all locations are on our find a location page. Ask your family doctor for a referral, or call 1-888-876-8346.
