Diagnostic Testing
Trendelenburg Testing
If varicose veins are suspected, the Trendelenburg test may be used to evaluate the venous system and to assess the severity of varicose veins. To evaluate the involvement of the superficial venous system, the patient is placed in a supine position, and the affected leg is raised. A tourniquet is tied around the upper thigh of the patient's affected leg in order to occlude the GSV, and the blood from the venous system is allowed to drain while the patient's leg remains elevated.[5] Upon resuming the standing position, venous refilling of the lower leg is observed. With the tourniquet still applied, slow refilling that occurs over 30 seconds or more is normal and indicates a competent venous system.[8] However, rapid refilling of the superficial veins with the tourniquet still applied and sudden additional filling of the superficial veins once the tourniquet is removed are abnormal test results that indicate the presence of varicose veins.[8]