By Omer Hamza Dinç – Founder & Editor, Phlebology News
A recent article in Phlebology (2025; DOI: 10.1177/02683555251386701) by Luca Palombi, Monica Morelli and Erika Mendoza explores the use of a portable, wearable duplex-ultrasound device to assess lower limb venous circulation during real movement. The study involved five adult participants with CEAP C0s chronic venous disease, examining venous flow while walking rather than through traditional static manoeuvres.
The authors evaluated five adult participants with CEAP C0s chronic venous disease and monitored venous flow patterns while they were walking. Unlike conventional duplex studies—typically performed in standing or supine positions, relying on compression manoeuvres—this dynamic approach allowed continuous observation during gait. Notably, in 40% of cases, the device detected reflux during movement that was not identified with standard static techniques. This raises the possibility that dynamic assessments could reveal functional abnormalities that may otherwise remain hidden.
Such findings have potential implications for clinical practice. Dynamic duplex ultrasound may offer value in understanding calf-muscle pump performance, venous return efficiency, and activity-related reflux patterns in selected patient groups. For clinicians, this could support decision-making in cases where symptoms appear disproportionate to traditional duplex findings, or where exercise-induced symptoms require closer investigation. It may also contribute to future discussions on patient selection for intervention, rehabilitation, or conservative therapy.
However, as the authors clearly note, this remains a pilot study, and its scope is intentionally limited. The small sample size, absence of higher CEAP classes, and lack of correlation with treatment outcomes mean that larger trials will be essential before the approach can be integrated into routine diagnostic pathways. More research will need to define reproducibility, diagnostic accuracy, cost-effectiveness and how dynamic findings should be interpreted alongside established duplex criteria.
Even so, the study highlights a promising direction for innovation within venous diagnostics—one that aligns with the broader movement towards portable devices, remote assessment tools and technology designed to complement traditional imaging. As interest grows in wearable ultrasound and physiologically driven evaluation methods, dynamic venous assessment may become an area to watch in the coming years.
At Phlebology News, we aim to provide concise and informative updates on emerging research and developments across venous care, supporting practitioners and professionals in staying informed about progress within the field.
