What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins, which affect 10%-20% of all adults, are abnormally swollen, twisted, blue veins that protrude from the surface of the skin in a rope like manner, usually on the legs. They are the result of a faulty valve or weak vein walls.
In addition to being unsightly and uncomfortable and even embarrassing, varicose veins can cause varying degrees of discomfort, such as: swelling in the ankles and feet, itching of the skin, throbbing, heaviness, leg cramps. Left untreated, symptoms are likely to worsen, leading to chronic swelling, bleeding, ulceration, skin pigmentation and blood clots.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
The normal function of veins, both the deep and superficial veins, is to carry blood back to the heart. These veins have numerous valves. If the valves fail, blood flows into the superficial veins and down the leg. This results in veins enlarging and becoming varicose. No one really knows what exactly triggers varicose and spider veins, but we do know that a combination of factors increases the risk. The most important factor is heredity (genetic predisposition). There are several life styles factors that can accelerate the process, such as: pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapies, obesity, weight fluctuation, constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, poor postural habits, aging and leg injury.
Women suffer from varicose veins more than men, and the incidence increases to 50% of people over age 50.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider vein is the common, lay term for small, unsightly, superficial veins usually seen in clusters on the lower extremities. They are one of the most common cosmetic concerns in women.
Spider veins are termed "sunburst varicosities" or "telangiectatic leg veins". Telangiectasias and venulectasias are the small superficial veins commonly referred to as spider veins. Telangiectasias are the fine- caliber, red spider veins. Venulectasias are the larger- caliber, blue spider veins.
What Causes Spider Veins?
The cause of spider veins is not known. Genetics and hormonal factors do play a role in their development.
What Treatments Are Available?
A. Conservative Measure (Stockings):
Compression graduated stockings can slow down the natural course of the disease and reduce the painful symptoms. However, they WILL NOT CURE the disease.
B. Medical Treatments:
The medical treatment depends on the type, size, location and depth of the vein problem. This is determined by various non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as: venous doppler, PPG, and color duplex ultrasound.
When the examination and diagnostic tests are performed one or combination of treatments can be recommended, to yield the best medical and cosmetic results.
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1. Sclerotherapy
Here the veins are injected with a small amount of a solution causing them to collapse and disappear. We no longer use saline solution for sclerotherapy treatments, only newer non-burning solutions are used.
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2. Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
By using a Doppler/Duplex Ultrasound system the doctor can get a x-ray-like picture of the deeper vein and inject at strategic locations of the vein.
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3. Foam Sclerotherapy
Similar to traditional sclerotherapy, but using a foaming agent, making it more suitable for larger veins.
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4. IPL Laser Therapy
Used mostly for the smallest spider veins. In this method a light beam is pulsed onto the veins to seal them.
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5. Micro Phlebectomy
By using a Doppler/Duplex Ultrasound system the doctor can get a x-ray-like picture of the deeper vein and inject at strategic locations of the vein.
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6. VNUS Closure® (Radiofrequency Occlusion)
Similar to traditional sclerotherapy, but using a foaming agent, making it more suitable for larger veins.
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7. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT™ or Endolaser)
Similar to the Closure Procedure, except the catheter emits laser rays instead of radio frequency waves.
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