What is a Venous Compression Study?
Venous compressions are auditory tests involving compression of the metatarsal arch to verify augmentation, followed by compression of the calf muscle to verify valvular competence. Venous compressions are performed to detect enlarge veins due to the presence of malfunctioning valves. |
| Examination Procedure |
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- Make sure the Doppler is set on separate or venous mode and that the time is set on slow.
- Place the patient in a supine position.
- Locate the posterior tibial artery. Then, move the probe adjacent to the artery to achieve diminished sounds. The probe will now be in the area of the posterior tibial vein.
- Hold the probe steady and firmly compress then release the metatarsal arch. An augmentation sound will be heard in the form of a "whoosh" and will show below the baseline on the visual display (if available).
- Then, continue to hold the probe in place and squeeze the calf muscle in a downward direction without moving the hand.
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| Interpreting the Results |
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Following compression of the metatarsal arch, a loud sound is expected. A diminished sound may indicate some valvular incompetence.
Following compression of the calf, no sounds or augmentation should exist because the valves should block any downward venous flow. Augmentation or diminished sounds heard at this time may indicate valvular incompetence. |
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| The instructions provided above are intended as general guidelines. For specific instructions on performing a Venous Compression study using your specific Doppler, please refer to the operation manual provided. |
