Varicose Veins

A treatment option for varicose veins.

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE?

Many factors contribute to the presence of venous reflux disease, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Heavy lifting
• Multiple pregnancies
• Obesity
• Standing profession

Using ultrasound to scan your leg(s), your physician will determine if venous reflux is present.

Procedural Highlights:

• Relief of symptom within 2 days
• Outpatient procedure
• Can be performed under local anesthesia
• The average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days
• Proven results within positive patient outcomes and experience

Do you experience the discomfort and swelling of varicose veins?

If so, you may be suffering from venous reflux disease. More than 30 million people are undiagnosed with varicose veins or CVI. Traditionally, patients diagnosed with venous reflux would undergo vein stripping surgery. Now, minimally invasive treatment options are available to patients.

THE VENOUS SYSTEM ANATOMY

The venous system is made up of a network of veins, including:

• Superficial veins – veins located close to the surface of the skin
• Deep veins – larger veins located deep in the leg
• Perforator veins – veins that connect the superficial veins to the deep veins

UNDERSTANDING VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE

Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart become damaged or diseased. As a result, vein valves will not close properly, leading to symptoms of:

• Varicose veins
• Pain
• Swollen limbs
• Leg heaviness and fatigue
• Skin changes
• Ulcers

VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE IS PROGRESSIVE – SYMPTOMS CAN WORSEN OVER TIME IF LEFT UNTREATED.

A Serious Progressive Disorder

References

1. Almeida JI, K. J. G. O. e. a., 2009. Radiofrequency endovenous Closurefast versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous reflux: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized study. J Vasc Interv Radiol, Volume 20, pp. 752-759.
2. L. H. Rasmussen, M. Lawaetz, L. Bjoern, B. Vennits, A. Blemings and B. Eklof, Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Foam Sclerotherapy and Surgical Stripping for Great Saphenous Varicose Veins. British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd., Wiley Online Library, www.bjs.co.uk, March 15, 2011.
3. Gloviczki P, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic diseases: clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum.JVS; May 2011.
4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency." Vascular Web. Society for Vascular Surgery, Jan 2011. Web. 17 Aug. 2011. http://www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/chronic-venous-insuffiency.aspx

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