Philips EPIQ Elite Vascular Ultrasound for Vein Diagnosis

What is the Philips EPIQ Elite?

The EPIQ Elite is a premium ultrasound platform made by Philips. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create live pictures of the inside of the body. In vein care, it is used as duplex ultrasound : it shows the structure of the vein (a grey-scale image) and the movement of blood inside it (color and spectral Doppler) at the same time. LEDAS has four EPIQ Elite units, each connected to a large 24-inch monitor so you can watch the scan with the doctor.

Why does ultrasound quality matter for varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the visible result of a hidden problem: valves inside the veins that no longer close, letting blood flow backwards (reflux). The bulging veins you can see are often fed by a leaking trunk vein, such as the great or small saphenous vein, or by perforator veins that link the surface veins to the deep system.

If even one source of reflux is missed, varicose veins tend to return. Dr. Kim Byoung Joon considers an incomplete diagnosis one of the three main causes of recurrence. High-resolution imaging helps the doctor see:

• The main refluxing trunk veins and exactly where the leak starts and stops.
• Small tributaries and perforator veins hidden between muscles.
• The deep veins, to make sure they are open and working before any treatment.
• Signs of blood clots that need different management.

How is the ultrasound exam done at LEDAS?

1. Preparation: you change into shorts. The doctor briefly shows you how to read the screen.
2. Standing scan: you stand on a custom examination table, because reflux is easiest to detect when gravity pulls blood down.
3. Mapping: the doctor moves the probe along each leg, squeezing the calf or asking you to bear down to test the valves.
4. Real-time explanation: you see the colors change as blood flows the wrong way, and the doctor explains what it means.
5. Plan: the findings are used to build your treatment plan. See how your treatment plan is built .

The exam takes about 15–20 minutes. It is painless; the gel can feel cool. Read more about the duplex ultrasound exam and venous reflux testing .

How is ultrasound used during treatment?

During EVLT , ultrasound guides the needle into the vein, shows the laser fiber's position and helps place the local anesthetic around the vein. During duplex-guided sclerotherapy , it lets the doctor inject foam precisely into veins that cannot be seen from the skin and watch it spread. This is why the treatment can be done without incisions.

How is ultrasound used after treatment?

After treatment, ultrasound confirms that the treated veins are closed and checks the deep veins. In the long term, LEDAS invites patients for a follow-up scan every 1–2 years, or whenever overseas patients return to Korea, to look for new reflux before it becomes visible. This is the core of the relapse prevention program .

Is vascular ultrasound safe?

Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionizing radiation, and no contrast dye is injected. It can be repeated as often as needed, including during pregnancy, which makes it the standard first test for leg vein disease.

How LEDAS uses ultrasound at each stage

EPIQ Elite vein ultrasound – frequently asked questions