AIM OF STUDY:
Vein mapping is used by your surgeon to assist in planning and performing surgery. The vascular technician will identify and mark the veins in your leg that may be used during your surgical procedure.
PATIENT PREPARATION:
No specific preparation is required prior to vein mapping.
STUDY TECHNIQUE:
While you are lying down, the vascular technician will use an ultrasound machine to find a suitable vein in your leg or arm. They will use some warmed gel to help the ultrasound probe obtain pictures of your veins. Once the technician has identified the vein they will use a permanent marking pen to draw a line along the course of the vein. It is important not to remove this line prior to your surgical treatment. Occasionally a tourniquet is used to help distend the vein and to make it easier to identify.
STUDY TIME:
The length of time required will vary depending on how many limbs your surgeon has requested to be mapped for veins. Usually this would take approximately 60 minutes.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA:
To be used as a suitable conduit, veins require a diameter of greater than 3mm. Previous scarring or thrombosis of veins may make them unsuitable.
CASE IMAGES:
These pictures demonstrate how the procedure will be performed.
