Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) Testing
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) occurs as a result of poorly functioning valves in the leg veins not being able to send sufficient amounts of blood back to the heart. When the valves fail to close properly, gravity wins and the flow reverses – this is called venous reflux. CVI is a common condition affecting over 25 million Americans, and approximately 24 million people have varicose veins, an indicator of CVI.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) test is a non-invasive exam that measures the amount of time it takes for the blood in the veins to be pumped from the legs back to the heart. We provide CVI testing using the latest technology and equipment, cleared by the FDA and the APMA. The patient will be asked to sit upright on a chair with their feet flat on the floor. The technician will then position a small probe on the inner ankle. The patient will then be asked to perform toe raises by flexing and squeezing the foot upward above the heel and then relaxing it. This exercise is repeated about 5 times.
Some risk factors for CVI include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Gender
- Height
- Pregnancy
- Increasing age
- Prolonged sitting and standing
- History of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Some indications and symptoms associated with CVI are:
- Varicose or spider veins
- Leg heaviness, aching, cramping and tiredness
- Pain in the legs during long periods of sitting and standing
- Poorly healing wound on the inside of the ankle
- Ankle and leg swelling
- Skin color changes
After the exam, the study will be sent to, and interpreted by, a vascular surgeon. The results/reports of the test will be ready to securely be viewed online within 24-36 hours and delivered to your office within 24-72 hours.