Diagnostic 3D Scans

Ugly Things

When you first spotted your varicose veins, your vanity was hurt—the ugly things didn't exactly add to your attractiveness. However, as time went on, the veins made your legs feel tired and achy, and then your doctor became concerned that you were at risk for throwing a clot.

Twists and Turns

If your varicose veins have become such a problem that you and your doctor are discussing the possibility of surgery, you're right to hope that your physician knows what he's doing. Part of his job is to have the clearest plan possible of the geography of your veins—their exact placement, and their various twists and turns. The good news for you is that medical researchers in Seoul have just made his work and your surgery a lot easier.

Two researchers, Jin Wook Chung, MD, and Whal Lee, MD, have discovered that taking 3D scans of varicose veins situated in the lower extremities can provide a comprehensive picture of the complex path of varicose veins in the lower extremities. The researchers made these findings during a study they performed at the Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul in the Republic of Korea. The authors of this study were able to determine that 3D scans enable surgeons to better treat varicose veins.

The Korean researchers examined how 3D scans might aid surgeons by studying just how effective this technique might be in giving a closer look at veins. One hundred participants with a complaint of lower extremity varicosities had 3D scans performed. According to co-authors Jin Wook Chung, MD, and Whal Lee, MD, "…images attained were excellent in 76% of patients."

An additional benefit provided by the 3D CT scans was the closer look at the great saphenous vein, or the large superficial vein that is found in the leg and thigh. In 99.5% of all cases in which the scans were performed on the lower extremities, doctors were able to get a clear view of this vein.

Because varicose veins are embedded in fat, they can be hard to detect and treat. 3D CT's allow doctors to get an overview of the fat-enclosed veins. Thanks to this technique, “the patient and surgeon have a more comprehensive way to see the disease. It shows all aspects of the varicose veins that are important to detect before surgery to prevent recurrence,” say Drs. Chung and Lee.

The researchers believe that 3D CT provides an easy way to see the manifestations of varicose veins while helping the surgeons to create rational treatment plans.