What do I need to know about venous disease?

LJVascular2024-03-25T19:26:41-07:00

Venous disease, known by various names like venous stasis, venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence, is a complex condition that impacts the veins in the legs. This article aims to unravel the intricacies of venous reflux disease—its causes, symptoms, and its progressive nature. Additionally, we’ll delve into the pivotal role played by ultrasound technology in diagnosing this condition and formulating personalized treatment plans.

Venous disease is centered around the concept of ‘leaky valves’ within leg veins. These valves, responsible for maintaining proper blood flow, may malfunction, leading to the backward flow (reflux) of blood instead of its intended route towards the heart. This reflux can affect both deep and superficial leg veins, hampering efficient blood circulation.

Leg veins can be categorized into two main types: deep and superficial. Deep veins, nestled within the muscles, primarily transport blood from the legs back to the heart. Meanwhile, superficial veins reside just beneath the skin, playing a significant role in this condition. Notably, the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) coursing through the thigh and calf, along with the small saphenous vein along the back of the calf, are key players in superficial vein issues.

Normally, one-way valves in leg veins assist blood flow against gravity, aided by the contraction of calf muscles. When these valves malfunction, blood backflows, resulting in pooling in the lower legs. This leads to symptoms such as leg heaviness, pain, fatigue, ankle swelling, and even restless legs at night. Over time, this condition progresses, leading to skin changes like darkening, dryness, itching, and the potential development of venous leg ulcers.

Venous Disease Diagnosis through Ultrasound

The diagnosis of venous reflux disease demands specialized tools, with ultrasound technology being pivotal. Many vein issues aren’t visible to the naked eye, as they arise beneath the skin’s surface. Ultrasound examinations provide insights into blood flow direction, valve functionality, and the presence of blockages or scars in the veins.

Personalized Treatment Approach for Venous Disease

Effectively managing venous reflux disease involves a tailored strategy for each patient. The treatment typically involves three key steps:

Step 1: Addressing Underlying Reflux

Treatment starts with addressing the root cause—venous reflux—often focusing on the saphenous veins. Innovative vein ablation procedures like radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA), and Varithena Foam are employed to restore proper blood flow.

Step 2: Handling Varicose Veins

Once the underlying reflux is resolved, the focus shifts to varicose veins. Foam sclerotherapy or minimally invasive removal methods are employed to eliminate bulging veins.

Step 3: Managing Spider Veins

For those seeking cosmetic enhancement, spider vein treatment through sclerotherapy completes the comprehensive treatment journey.

Venous reflux disease demands specialized care for effective management. Our approach encompasses cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced treatments, and personalized care to address the diverse aspects of this condition. Through our expertise and commitment, we strive to provide transformative outcomes that enhance both the health and quality of life of our patients. If you’re ready to embark on the journey towards healthier veins, reach out to us to take the first step towards comprehensive vein and vascular wellness.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts!

What do I need to know about venous disease?LJVascular2024-03-25T19:26:41-07:00

1, 3, 2024

4 Varicose vein transformations of our patients
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4 Varicose vein transformations of our patients

LJVascular2024-02-17T15:29:14-08:00

Varicose veins, those visibly twisted and bulging vessels beneath the skin, often spark concerns among many individuals, particularly in the legs. This blog post delves into the world of varicose veins, shedding light on their nature, underlying causes, and potential treatment avenues.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins manifest as swollen, twisted vessels just beneath the skin’s surface. Despite their alarming appearance, they’re a prevalent condition that can provoke sensations of discomfort, pain, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Causes Behind Varicose Veins

The primary culprit behind varicose veins is malfunctioning vein valves. These valves play a crucial role in regulating blood flow by allowing it to move towards the heart while preventing pooling in the veins. When these valves fail, blood accumulates in the veins, leading to their enlargement. Venous reflux disease, also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence, is often the underlying cause of this condition.

Deciphering Venous Reflux

Venous reflux refers to the backward flow of blood against gravity due to faulty valves. Normally, calf muscles assist in pumping blood upward, but leaky valves cause blood to pool in the lower legs, resulting in the visible bulging veins seen on the skin’s surface. The great and small saphenous veins, responsible for returning blood from the legs to the heart, are commonly affected. In over 90% of leg varicose vein cases, these veins are implicated.

Insights from Research

A notable study led by Dr. Nisha Bunke, published in the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018, examined over 1,000 varicose vein-affected legs. The research underscored the great and small saphenous veins as primary contributors to varicose veins. Specifically, the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) traversing the thigh and calf’s middle and the Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) along the calf’s back were frequently involved.

Available Treatments

Fortunately, there are treatment options available to alleviate discomfort and improve the appearance of varicose veins. Minimally invasive procedures such as laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in treating varicose veins.

Visual Proof: Patient Transformations: We used a variety of different minimally invasive vein treatments for these patients. For more information of what types of treatments we offer, check out our website tab of vein treatments.

The results of varicose vein treatment can be remarkable. Many individuals experience significant improvements in both vein appearance and associated symptoms. Before-and-after images serve as testimony to the positive impact proper treatment can have on vascular health and overall well-being.

While varicose veins are common, understanding their causes and available treatments empowers individuals to manage their vascular health effectively. With modern medical techniques, those dealing with varicose veins can find relief and witness a considerable improvement in their quality of life. Whether exploring the role of faulty vein valves, delving into venous reflux intricacies, or considering diverse treatment approaches, education and awareness pave the path to healthier veins.