Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are abnormal veins that vary in size but are usually referred to as bulging veins in the legs. The enlarged veins can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue and appear elongated, thickened and twisted. These veins are inefficient at preventing backflow of blood, thus they are failed veins and occur on the legs because of gravity and body weight.
In the vast majority of cases, varicose veins do not serve any useful function and their removal may actually improve circulation. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems, including venous insufficiency, blood clots, phlebitis, sores or skin ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs. While the cause of these veins is unclear, heredity is a strong factor, as are pregnancy, trauma, increasing age, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting.
The most frequently reported symptoms from varicose veins include leg aches and leg fatigue or heaviness, itching, night cramps, throbbing and swollen ankles. Maintaining a normal weight, walking, limiting the use of external female hormones, and wearing compression stockings may help limit the disease's progression.
Various treatment methods are available including wearing compression stockings, laser ablation therapy and surgical removal of the vein.
At Cardiac Vascular and Thoracic Surgery Associates, board certified vascular surgeons use endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) to ablate (or close) the veins. During this office-based procedure, the surgeon inserts a catheter into the vein though a pin-prick in the patient’s leg. Then, a laser is inserted into the catheter and using ultrasound, the laser is moved up to the faulty vein. Once in place, the laser is turned on and closes the vein, causing blood to be rerouted to other veins. Then, the laser and catheter are removed. No stitches are required to close the pin-prick incision.
After a person undergoes the EVLT treatment, recovery periods may differ from person to person. Most people are up and walking around, completing their normal daily activities the next day. All patients will wear Gradient Compression Support Stockings for a period of time after the procedure. This helps ensure the veins disappear and that blood clots do not occur. Your physician will determine how long you should wear the compression stockings, which is generally based on the type of veins and treatment you had. Most physicians recommend that you walk a lot after treatment. Depending on your treatment, other instructions may be given.
It is important to remember that varicose veins are an inherited disorder that is chronic and progressive - venous insufficiency will generally develop in other veins as time passes. While all of the current treatments have a small degree of failure, this is minimized by a proper and thorough evaluation prior to your treatment and treating the veins in the most troublesome location first, then moving no to any additional veins. In addition, patients’ compliance with recovery guidelines and any necessary lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, significantly aid in the success of the procedure.
