DVT and other venous assessment

The vascular laboratory group within medical physics provides diagnostic services for patients with acute and chronic vascular disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and leg ulcers respectively.

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - over 2200 patients per year are seen, using Duplex ultrasound.
• Venous leg ulcer services - approximately 300 patients per year are seen for assessment of venous disorders, for example diagnosis of venous disease and assessment of patient treatment.
• Tissue viability assessment - using measurements of Transcutaneous Partial Pressure of Oxygen (TcPO2), laser doppler flowmeter and ultrasound are used to measure the viability of tissue at risk of ulcers.
• Diagnostic microvascular assessments - skin blood flow is measured using laser doppler flowmetry in order to assess the control of small vessels by the nervous system.

Why do we provide these Services?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or clots in the veins can be a serious problem. When present, it needs to be treated by specialists. We test for this condition using imaging ultrasound similar to scans on pregnant women. No needles are used in this procedure, which is usually painless though it may cause some temporary discomfort. The results are accurate and we work closely with emergency medicine who treat patients following scans. We aim to offer appointments within working 2 days.

On wound healing, our experience is derived over many years. We work to establish a diagnosis and provide expert guidance on skin at risk of ulcers. We work closely with vascular surgery, the diabetic foot group of SUHT and leg ulcer services of NHS Southampton City.

Our tests of the microcirculation offer clues about the level of perfusion and oxygen as well as blood vessel control and are helpful in managing chronic pain. We work closely with specialist medical and surgical groups in offering this support.