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Varicose Veins
Before
After
Spider Veins
Before
After
Frequently
Asked Questions
Below you will find frequently asked questions and answers to
varicose vein and spider vein treatments including laser surgery,
sclerotherapy and others. We are happy to answer your specific questions
about varicose vein and spider vein treatments and procedures by
telephone or email. Because our surgeons perform an extensive exam of
your vein problems, our initial medical exam may be covered by most
insurance companies. Look over the questions and answers below. If
we can answer more questions for you about your spider vein or varicose
vein problems, contact us or, schedule an appointment today.
Q.
What is
the main difference between arteries and veins?
In simple terms, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the
tissues, veins return oxygen-depleted blood to the heart.
| Arteries | Veins |
| Carry blood rich in oxygen | Carry blood low in oxygen |
| Carry blood away from the heart to the hands and feet | Carry blood back to the heart from the hands and feet |
| Have thicker elastic walls that are designed to handle higher pressures | Have thin walls that do not handle high pressures |
| The heart pumps to move blood through | Blood is moved through veins by action of muscle contraction |
| The arteries have no valves | The veins have one-way valves |
Q.
What are the
different types of veins in the leg?
There are three major systems of veins in the leg:
(1) The superficial system:
Just like the name implies, veins of this
system are fairly close to the surface of the skin. Blood in these veins
should flow into the veins of the deep system. Examples of important
superficial system veins: the greater saphenous vein (GSV) and the
small saphenous vein or lesser saphenous vein(LSV).
(2) The deep system:
Veins in this system are again, as the name implies,
deep beneath the skin enclosed in the muscle. These veins are usually quite large compared to
superficial veins and are the veins involved with the condition called
deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep veins return the majority of the blood directly
to the heart.
(3) The perforator veins:
Perforator veins connect the deep and
superficial systems at multiple sites down the leg. The sapheno/femoral junction
located at the groin provides a direct connection between the
superficial and deep venous system.
Varicose Veins
Q.
What
are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins just below the surface of
the skin. Because of faulty valves elsewhere in the leg they hold more
blood and at higher pressure than normal. This increase in blood volume
and pressure causes the veins to swell giving their characteristic
appearance.
Q.
What causes
varicose veins?
The normal function of veins is to carry blood back to the heart. To
prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction, veins have numerous
non-return valves. If the valves fail, blood flows the wrong way in the
superficial veins and back down the leg. This results in surface
tributary veins enlarging and becoming varicose.
Q.
Why
does it occur more in the legs?
Gravity. The distance from the feet to the heart is the furthest blood
has to travel in the body. The vessels in the leg therefore experience
the greatest back pressure, and if vein valves can’t hold it, the
backflow of blood will cause the surface veins to swell.
Q.
Who is
at risk from varicose veins?
Everyone! However, the main causes are genetics and women are nearly
twice as likely to suffer as men. People with past vein diseases, new
mothers, overweight individuals and people with jobs or hobbies
requiring extended standing are also at increased risk.
Q.
What
are the symptoms?
Aside from the familiar surface appearance of rope-like varicosities,
there may be significant leg pain and feet and ankles may swell towards
the end of the day, especially in hot weather. Varicose veins can get
sore and inflamed, causing redness of the skin around them. In some
cases, patients may develop venous ulcerations.
Q.
What
is EVLT?
EVLT stands for Endovenous Laser Therapy.
EVLT is a quick, minimally invasive laser procedure that leaves no scar
and can be performed in the doctor's office.
Q.
How
does the EVLT work?
Laser energy damages the vein
walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that blood cannot
flow through it. This eliminates vein bulging at its source. The blood
from the faulty vein will naturally divert to the many normal veins in
the leg. The only minimal complication with EVLT have been a small
number of cases of numbness that passes quickly. Patients wear special
protective glasses during the procedure to protect the eyes.
This is what you can expect:
Your
doctor uses ultrasound to map out your vein
Local
anesthetic is injected in the leg around the vein
A thin
laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the
knee
Laser
energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein
You will
have compression hose put on the leg
You will
be asked to walk for about 20 minutes after the procedure
You may
resume normal activity - not gym workouts
There may
be minor soreness and bruising
Treat the
soreness and bruising with over the counter non-aspirin pain relievers
Q.
Is
loss of this vein a problem?
No. After treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to
the many normal veins in the leg. Varicose veins are abnormal
veins that carry blood in the wrong direction. By removing these
abnormal veins, circulation is actually improved. Varicose veins are not
suitable for use in bypass surgery.
Q.
Will
these veins come back after treatment?
Veins that are surgically removed or treated by sclerotherapy will not
come back, however because veins disease is progressive, it is sometimes
possible for new varicose veins to develop.
Q.
What are the
complications of this procedure?
The most common complication patients see is numbness that usually
corrects itself in a timely manner. However, as with any surgery, there
are risks and further possible complications. We can discuss this with
you more in depth at your initial medical exam and consultation.
Q.
Am I
at risk from the laser?
No. Just as a precaution against accidental firing of laser energy
outside the body, you will be given a pair of special glasses to protect
your eyes.
Q.
How
successful is EVLT?
97% of first-time EVLT treatments are successful!
Q.
How
long will I have to wear the compression hose?
For best results we ask you to wear the compression hose for 10 days to
2 weeks after the procedure. The hose are washable on a delicate cycle
or in the sink. (Hang to dry.)
Q.
How
long does this procedure take?
The procedure itself takes approximately 1 hour for each leg treated.
Q.
Where
is the treatment performed?
In the offices of the Arizona Endovascular Center behind St. Joseph
Hospital.
No hospitalization or general anesthetic is required.
Q.
Is the
procedure painful?
No. Patients can tolerate the procedure very well using just the local
anesthetic. Any post procedure discomfort can be treated with over the
counter non-aspirin pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol.
Q.
How
long is the patient recovery period?
Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the
procedure. However, we ask that you refrain from taking hot baths and
vigorous activities such as gym work-outs.
Q.
Can
you do anything for the ugly veins I have on my hands and face?
Yes. Sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or surgery can be used to remove
unwanted veins at any location.
Q. Will my insurance pay for treatment?
Medicare and most
insurance companies will cover treatment of large varicose veins that
are causing problems. Treatment of "spider" veins is usually considered
cosmetic and therefore it is unlikely to be covered. Most insurances
will cover an EVLT procedure provided certain criteria is met and the
procedure has been pre-certified. We are happy to
work with you and your insurance company to "pre-authorize" all
procedures and maximize insurance reimbursement.
Spider Veins
Q.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins occur when small veins become swollen with stagnant blood.
They are more common in women than men. Pregnancy and hormonal
variations may stimulate their appearance.
Q.
How
are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy is often the preferential treatment for spider veins. This
involves injecting a special solution into the effected veins. The
abnormal veins close off, fade, and gradually disappear. The solution
used is very safe with a few allergic reactions reported.
Q.
How
long is each appointment?
Each treatment session is about 30 minutes. Sessions are normally scheduled 2
to 4 weeks apart.
Q.
I just
have spider veins. Do I need an ultrasound examination, too?
Yes. We have found that about 15% of people who come in with just spider
veins also have problems with their larger veins (which could have
caused the spider veins in the first place). We believe it is important
for you to know if larger vein problems are present mainly because if
they are, the large vein problem should be addressed before the smaller
vein problems are. Sometimes the smaller veins go away by themselves
after larger veins are treated. Most times, however, treatment of larger
veins makes treatment of smaller veins much more successful.
Q.
What
is Sclerotherapy?
Treatment of spider veins has for many years included injection
sclerotherapy. This procedure requires puncturing the tiny blood vessels
with a very fine needle and injecting them with a sclerosing agent. This
solution causes the wall of the vein to become inflamed. Following the
injection procedure you will be asked to wear stockings that provide
compression to the vessels thereby sealing the walls of the vessels
together. Compression is extremely important to the success of the
procedure.
When sclerotherapy is successful, these tiny blood vessels will
disappear permanently. A typical session last approximately 30 minutes
and consists of multiple injections. Most patients tolerate
sclerotherapy very well, although the injections themselves may create a
burning sensation during the procedure. This sensation disappears
usually before the office visit is over.
Q.
Is
sclerotherapy
safe?
Sclerotherapy is a technique that has been practiced since
the 1930's. Problems are infrequent and very minor in an overwhelming
number of patients. Serious complications following sclerotherapy are
rare. Occasionally these fragile blood vessels may rupture under the
skin during or following an injection. Rupture is not a problem although
it may result in local bruising which generally resolves over the course
of several weeks. Rarely, however, rupture may result in permanent
pigmentation and even ulceration or scarring at the site of an
injection. Very rarely patients have an allergic reaction to the
sclerosant and in some patients there have been reports of blood clots
developing in the larger veins following sclerotherapy.
It is important to remember that sclerotherapy treats only the
individual spider veins and smaller varicosities. Sclerotherapy does not
treat the underlying cause or any hereditary propensity to develop
either spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins that are
successfully sclerosed do not recur. Occurrence of new spider veins is
quite common and may require additional treatment. In some cases,
complete elimination is not possible despite repeated treatments with
injection sclerotherapy. Regular use of the prescribed compression hose
may slow the progression of new spider veins.
Q.
Is
sclerotherapy safe for everyone?
People with clotting disorders, who are pregnant, have an
inability to walk, or who are unwilling to follow directions should not
have sclerotherapy. We are as anxious for you to have good results as
you are to have them. Therefore, we ask you to refrain from vigorous
exercise or hot baths for a few days, and to wear your compression
stockings for 48 hours.
Q.
Does sclerotherapy
work for everyone?
About 80-90%, when done by experts. The majority of patients
who have sclerotherapy will be cleared of their varicosities or at least
see good improvement. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that
sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Approximately 10% of
patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. ("Poor
results" means that the veins are not markedly less noticeable after six
treatments). In rare instances, the patients condition may become worse
after sclerotherapy treatment.
Q.
What
are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy
treatment are:
Itching:
you may experience mild itching along the vein route and normally last
1-2 days
Transient
hyperpigmentation: approximately 30% of patients notice a discoloration
of light
brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become
darker immediately after the procedure. In rare instances this darkening
of the vein may persist for 4 to 12 months.
Sloughing:
this occurs in less than 3% of patients. Sloughing consists of a small
ulcer at the injection site that heals slowly. A blister may form, open,
and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to normal
color.
Allergic
reactions: very rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the
sclerosing agent used. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in
patients who have a history of allergies.
Pain: a
few patients may experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising,
usually at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender to touch
after treatment, and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein
route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting 1 to 7
days.
Other side effects include:
a burning
sensation during injection of some solutions
neovascularization-tiny new blood vessels around the injected area
phlebetic
type reactions (leg swelling)
superficial blebs or wheals (similar to hives)
wound
infection
poor
healing or scarring
Q.
What
should I do if I have problems after receiving sclerotherapy?
If you notice any type of adverse reaction, contact us
immediately at 520.296.7500. If you are unable to reach our offices and
you think you are having an allergic reaction go to the nearest
emergency room.
Q.
What
is required after the procedure?
Walk for 30 minutes immediately following the treatment.
If possible, do not drive home yourself. If you have to drive, keep your
legs moving and make frequent stops for walking every 20 minutes.
Maintain normal daytime activities. Walk at least one hour a day - the
more the better - for the next three days.
No hot baths for 2 weeks.
Avoid standing without moving about. If you must stand in one place,
move your feet and toes frequently.
If your legs become painful after treatment, walk.
Do not remove the stockings at all for 3 days. They may be lowered as
needed to go to the bathroom.
Avoid strenuous physical activity, jogging, running, high impact
aerobics or heavy lifting for at least one week.
Elevate your legs above your heart for 20 minutes as often as possible
but at least 3 times a day for the first three days.
After 3 days you may remove the stockings and the gauze bandages. The
injected areas may appear bruised, which is normal for many people and
should fade away.
You may shower after three days. Use tepid, NOT hot water.
Continue to wear the compression stockings every day. You may remove
them at night to sleep.
You may resume daily showers but continue to avoid jogging, running, or
high impact aerobics during this time. Do not take baths.
Continue to wear compression stockings whenever possible because this
will reduce the rate of recurrence of spider veins. We recommend the
regular use of therapeutic compression for everyone with venous disease.
Q.
How
many treatments will I need?
Since everyone is different, the number of treatments needed
to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient,
depending on the extent of varicose and spider veins present. One to six
or more treatments may be needed: the average is three to four.
Individual veins usually require one to three treatments.
Q.
How
long does it take to look better?
Most spider veins fade slowly over 4 to 6 weeks. Treated veins may look
darker in color with some bruising before fading occurs. Occasionally
blood may become trapped in the treated veins as they close. This is
expected and is addressed in subsequent treatment sessions. The first
two treatments are the most important. A level of 70%-80% overall
improvement is realistic.
Q.
How
long will results last?
The actual veins that are treated should not ever come back.
However, the same condition that led to development of spider veins in
the first place is on-going if a larger source of the problem is not
detected and treated. Other spider veins can develop. Therefore it is a
good idea to think of sclerotherapy as a program of maintenance that
will need to be undertaken every year or two (or three or four or five),
depending on the individual.
GLOSSARY
ablation
Process in which chemical bonds are broken by thermal energy (heat).
ambulatory phlebectomy
Removal of portions of a vein through a small incision. Ambulatory
phlebectomy is an office procedure done with local anesthetic.
causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins are caused by the development of weak or faulty valves
inside veins. The blood in leg veins is supposed to flow back towards
the right side of the heart. One-way valves located inside the veins
prevent the blood from traveling backwards with the force of gravity.
When these valves do not function properly, backward flow of blood
causes increased
pressure on the preceding section of vein, resulting in formation of
varicose veins over time. (Also see risk factors for development of vein
disease).
catheter
A thin tube. In the type of greater saphenous vein ablation done using
radiofrequency energy (Closure), a catheter with a 1/8 inch diameter is
threaded directly into the vein to be treated (i.e. the greater
saphenous vein ablation or lesser saphenous vein).
chronic venous insufficiency
Condition resulting from on-going venous reflux disease. Can result in
varicose veins, skin discoloration in the ankle areas (see stasis
discoloration), swelling of legs, and the possibility of venous ulcer
formation.
Closure
Trademarked name of saphenous vein ablation done using radiofrequency
energy. Closure is usually done in the office and uses local anesthesia.
The Closure procedure replaces the older surgical procedures of vein
stripping and high legations of the saphenous vein.
compression stockings
Stockings with a specific amount of compression, available only with a
prescription, used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and/or to
prevent the development of venous insufficiency or other vein diseases.
(See also graduated compression stockings).
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Blood clot in a deep vein. These blood clots can cause pulmonary embolus
wherein a blood clot in a deep vein breaks loose and travels to the lung
where it blocks circulation.
deep venous system of the leg
One of the three major systems of veins in the leg (see also superficial
veins, perforator veins). The deep venous system of leg veins is located
deep in the leg and receive blood from more superficial veins. This
system transports blood back to the heart. The deep venous system is
under the highest pressure of any leg vein systems. (See also femoral
vein and
saphenofemoral junction. Contrast with greater saphenous vein and
superficial venous system of the leg).
Duplex scan
Method of study using ultrasound technology used to show direction and
velocity of blood flow.
effect of pregnancy on vein disease development
Pregnancy is one of the most common times women develop vein problems.
During pregnancy the mother has an increased blood volume. In addition
to increased blood volume, the growing baby puts pressure on the largest
vein of the body located in the abdomen (the vena cava) which is
transmitted to other veins down the legs. The hormonal changes that
occur during pregnancy also affect veins. Pregnancy as a whole is a
“set-up” for vein valve stress and damage. While it is true that by
about three months after delivery, vein problems have improved, damage
done to the vein valves does not repair itself and vein problems may
become worse with subsequent pregnancies. Though repair is not done
during pregnancy, it is certainly desirable between pregnancies. It is
important for all the reasons just listed to ask a health care provider
about the advisability of wearing compression stockings during pregnancy
to help prevent development of vein disease.
ELAS
A method of saphenous vein ablation. ELAS uses heat created by a laser
to cause changes to the greater saphenous vein that in turn cause the
vein to become non-functional and symptoms of varicose veins and chronic
venous insufficiency to improve. (See laser).
excision of varicose veins
Surgical procedure which employs multiple small incisions to remove
varicosities. Drawbacks include multiple scars (and possible keloid).
Other varicose veins may form because the problem is not being addressed
at the source.
extravasation
Escape of fluids into surrounding tissues
feeder vein
Larger vein that frequently can be seen under the skin leading to a
telangectasia or spider vein complex. (See also reticular veins).
femoral vein
Leg vein of the deep venous system located in the groin area. The
femoral vein joins the greater saphenous vein at the saphenofemoral
junction, a site that is important in the development of reflux and
subsequent varicose vein development.
general anesthesia
Anesthesia that is complete and affects the whole body with loss of
consciousness occurring when the anesthetic acts on the brain.
graduated compression stockings
Compression stockings in which the pressure is greatest at the level of
the foot and decreases gradually up the leg. These stockings are a
useful part of conservative therapy to prevent the progression of vein
disease (varicose veins, spider veins and chronic venous insufficiency)
greater saphenous vein
Largest superficial vein in the leg. The greater saphenous vein is often
the site of reflux from the deep venous system of the leg. It is located
on the inside of the ankle and runs all the way to the groin where it
joins the deep venous system at the saphenofemoral junction.
greater saphenous vein (GSV) ablation
Term used to describe procedures that render the greater saphenous vein
non-functional without surgery and/or general anesthesia. There are two
main types of GSV ablation: radiofrequency (called Closure) and laser
(ELAS).
high ligation of the saphenous vein
Surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the groin and tissue
is dissected to the level of the saphenofemoral junction. The greater
saphenous vein is then clamped, tied off, and severed. This procedure
does not address perforator reflux.
interventional radiologist
Medical doctor whose subspecialty it is to do minimally invasive
procedures (i.e. saphenousvein ablation). Interventional radiology
procedures typically use some type of image guidance (i.e. ultrasound).
Interventional radiologists are adept at accessing blood vessels and do
so routinely to perform their minimally invasive procedures.
keloid
Excessive scar tissue formation that can be cosmetically objectionable.
People with naturally darker skin are more susceptible to keloid.
laser
Device that emits intense heat by focusing various frequencies of light
into a small powerful beam of one wavelength radiation. (See ELAS)
lesser saphenous vein
Leg vein belonging to the superficial venous system of the leg that can
be a site of reflux from the deep venous system.
lidocaine
A local anesthetic
local anesthesia
Anesthesia used to affect a local area only. Contrast with general
anesthesia
minimally invasive
Procedure that is carried out by entering the body through the skin with
the smallest damage possible. (See interventional radiologist, saphenous
vein ablation).
necrosis
Death of tissue
perforator veins
In the leg, perforator veins connect the deep venous system and the
superficial venous system. Often the site of reflux occurrence.
phlebitis
Inflammation of the wall of a vein. This condition is usually treated
with heat, elevation, compression stockings and non steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen). Very rarely, an
antibiotic is used in treatment. (see related condition, superficial
thrombophlebitis)
Polidocanol
Fluid (sclerosant) used in sclerotherapy. Although not approved by the
FDA for the purpose of sclerotherapy, Polidocanol is reportedly the most
commonly used sclerosant worldwide and the second most common sclerosant
used in the United States.
pulmonary embolus (PE)
Condition in which lung blood circulation in the lung is blocked. ( PE
is a potentially life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis
(DVT).
radiofrequency
Form of energy composed of electromagnetic waves that are converted into
heat used in the Closure type of saphenous vein ablation.
reticular veins
Medium-sized vein. These veins are larger than spider veins (telangectasias),
but smaller than the typical varicosities of the greater saphenous vein.
Although reticular veins can become varicosed, the term usually refers
to a medium-sized vein that is merely visible beneath the skin.
reflux
Backward flow. In the legs this term refers to backward flow of blood
allowed when a one-way vein valve malfunctions. Reflux can result in
varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and telangectasias (spider
veins) when the valves inside very tiny veins do not work properly.
risk factors for development of vein disease
The big risk factor for vein disease is family history or heredity. If a
close relative in your family has vein problems, chances are greater
that you will develop vein problems, too. Pregnancy is the time when
many women first have vein problems. This occurs because a larger blood
volume and the weight of the developing baby can put weight on the large
vein which runs through the abdomen (the vena cava), causing increased
pressure to be generated down the legs. (for a greater consideration of
the role of pregnancy in vein disease development, see effect of
pregnancy on vein disease development). Obesity, hormonal changes
(especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause), a history of leg
injury and prolonged standing may also play a role in the development of
varicose veins, spider veins and vein disease in general.
saphenofemoral junction
A junction located high in the groin area where the femoral vein (deep
system vein) is joined by the greater saphenous vein (large superficial
system vein). The blood in this location is supposed to be moving from
the greater saphenous vein into the femoral vein. It is a frequent site
of venous valve malfunction, causing reflux or backward flow of blood
from the deep
system into the superficial system.
saphenous vein ablation
Procedure in which the saphenous vein (lesser or greater) is ablated
(see ablation), causing it to become non-functional. This procedure uses
thermal energy produced either by radiofrequency waves or laser
sclerosant
Treatment method in which a fluid (a sclerosant) is injected into a vein
in order to cause a reaction in the walls of the vein which in turn
causes the vein to become non-functional and to gradually fade away.
Examples of sclerosants include Polidocanol and Sotradecol. (See
sclerotherapy)
sclerotherapy
Treatment method in which a fluid (a sclerosant) is injected into a vein
in order to cause a reaction in the walls of the vein which in turn
causes the vein to become non-functional and to gradually fade away.
Sotradecol
Fluid (sclerosant) used in sclerotherapy. Sotradecol has been used as a
sclerosant for many years, but can be difficult to obtain. Extravasation
may in rare cases cause necrosis.
spider veins
Also referred to as telangectasia. Spider veins are very small veins
(can be as small as a hair), red or blue in appearance, that can
resemble the legs of a spider. Spider veins can occur singly or as a
spider vein complex.
spider vein complex or web
Name given to a closely spaced collection of spider veins that are many
times created by one feeder vein.
stasis discoloration
Discoloration of the skin in the ankle area caused by chronic venous
insufficiency. Components of the blood leak out into the skin causing
skin discoloration, skin breakdown and set the stage for possible venous
ulcer formation.
superficial thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein of the superficial venous system in conjunction
with a thrombus (clot). This condition can be painful, but not
life-threatening (contrast with deep vein thrombosis), and is usually
treated with local heat, leg elevation and aspirin or other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. (Also see
phlebitis).
superficial veins of the leg
One of the three major systems of veins in the leg (see also deep
venous system of the leg, perforator veins). Superficial veins collect
blood from the skin and other superficial tissue and transport it to the
deep venous system, sometimes through perforator veins. The largest
superficial vein of the body is the greater saphenous vein.
support stockings
Stockings that are available “over the counter” which supply a small
amount of compression to the legs when worn. Compression can be helpful
to prevent or slow down the development of vein disease. The compression
offered by support stockings, however, is frequently not enough to be
truly helpful in preventing varicose veins, spider veins or vein disease
in general.
In the absence of arterial disease, graduated compression stockings are
much more effective.
Ted hose
Compression stockings frequently used in hospitals to prevent deep
venous thrombosis in the inactive or bedridden patient. Graduated
compression stockings are much better to use for the long-term
prevention of venous disease.
telangectasia
Medical name for spider veins. Veins that are dilated, tiny or
small, and frequently form branches that loosely resemble spider legs.
All veins contain one-way valves and telangectasias are a result of vein
valve malfunction on a very tiny level.
telangectatic matting
Refers to the occasional appearance of tiny new spider veins (telangectasias)
after sclerotherapy or surgical removal of varicose veins. Matting can
look like a blush of the skin.
thrombus
Clot. In the venous system, the location of the clot is important. If
the clot or thrombus forms in the deep venous system it can create a
deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and possibly a life-threatening condition
of pulmonary embolus. If the clot and inflammation occur in the
superficial venous system, it is not usually of grave concern and can be
treated effectively with local measures. (See phlebitis and superficial
thrombophlebitis)
tumescent anesthesia
Mixture of normal saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and sodium
bicarbonate injected into the leg during greater saphenous vein
ablation. Tumescent anesthesia not only supplies pain relief but also
provides protection for tissue surrounding the greater saphenous vein
during its ablation.
ultrasound
A non-invasive type of study that uses inaudible sound waves to
highlight tissues with varying densities. This mode of study can be used
to outline various tissues and organs in the body. Often used along with
a Doppler or duplex study, which can be used to show direction and
velocity of blood flow.
ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
Technique in which ultrasound is employed to do a sclerotherapy
injection.
valve
A small flap inside a vein which should only permit one-way flow. When
valves malfunction, backward flow of blood (called reflux) is allowed,
causing pressure elevation in the preceding area of the vein. This can
lead to formation of varicose veins and telangectasias (spider veins).
varicose veins
Enlarged, ropey, bulging and twisted superficial veins. Varicose
veins are formed when the one-way valves inside veins do not work
properly for various reasons (see risk factors for vein disease). If the
vein valve becomes damaged or does not do its job, blood is allowed to
leak backwards, causing increased pressure on the preceding area of the
vein. Over time, the vein
walls become thickened and enlarged. Varicose veins often produce aching
and pain (see also varicose vein symptoms), and are many times present
in the condition of chronic venous insufficiency. Once venous valves are
damaged, they cannot be repaired.
varicose vein complications
Varicose veins often signal the presence of a condition called chronic
venous insufficiency. Leg swelling, pain, feelings of heaviness, aching,
discomfort, restless legs, itching and possible venous ulcer formation
are all possible complications of varicose vein disease. Some varicose
veins are very superficial and may also bleed spontaneously or with very
little trauma such as a bump.
varicose vein symptoms
Symptoms caused by varicose veins are many and may include swelling,
(especially in the ankle area and especially after a long day of
standing), sharp pain, aching, heaviness, itching, restless legs,
congestion, pressure, throbbing and tiredness. Discoloration, called
stasis discoloration, may be present in the ankle areas and above, and
over time, venous ulcer
formation may occur.
varicosities
Varicose veins
vein light
A special light which, when placed on the skin can transilluminate veins
not seen on the skin’s surface. (The effect is similar to that of
placing a flashlight directly on the skin, but more “illuminating”).
Vein lights can be very helpful in locating the “feeder veins” that
frequently supply spider vein complex.
vein stripping
Out-dated surgical procedure in which the greater saphenous vein is
actually pulled out of the leg.
venous disease (vein disease)
Disease of the veins such as: spider veins (telangectasias), varicose
veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers.
venous stasis leg ulcer
Possible consequence of chronic venous insufficiency. (About 10% of
patients with chronic venous insufficiency will develop venous ulcers).
Venous ulcers can be very difficult to heal and also tend to reoccur.
Treatment must include some form of compression. Greater saphenous vein
ablation is very helpful in the treatment and the treatment and
prevention of venous ulcers.
