ABSTRACT
The advent of venous duplex ultrasound opened our eyes to understanding of the anatomy and pathology of the venous system. Furthermore, it assisted further in the evaluation of the outcomes of interventions, which were relatively poor with previous approaches to saphenous stripping. With increased understanding of the reasons for failures and advancing thought, duplex greatly influenced the manner in which we currently approach venous disease, leading to the development of endovenous techniques as first described in 2001.1-3 As applied in today’s therapeutic environment, duplex ultrasound has three distinct roles: pretreatment evaluation, intraoperative guidance, and post-therapy evaluation, and continues to add to advancing thought. The UIP (Union Internationale de Phlébologie) consensus document on the posttreatment evaluation brings several key points to light regarding sonography and vein therapy, and should be required reading.4
