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Varicose veins  are permanent dilation of the veins, which occurs in the lower limbs. We have several types, and the treatment is quite different from case to case, depending on the severity or complexity of the case. Find out from this article everything you need to know about varicose veins!

Varicose veins are common in both female and male patients. However, the risk of developing it is higher in women, with about 60% of patients suffering from varicose veins being female. In general, the disease sets in after the age of 25 and is more common in certain geographical areas, including Central Europe. The reason is not yet fully known.

Content

• What causes varicose veins?
• What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
• How many types of varicose veins are there?
• How can varicose veins be diagnosed?
• How can varicose veins be treated?
• What treatment methods for varicose veins exist in the Vascular Clinic?
• Can varicose veins be prevented?

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are irreversible venous dilation, with the appearance of sinuous veins in the subcutaneous level. This occurs due to the weakening of the resistance of the venous wall and a poor functioning of the venous valves. Gravity is what causes superficial veins to increase in volume, becoming painful over time.

Untreated, this condition can lead to complications. Therefore, early diagnosis is recommended, along with appropriate treatment.

In some cases, the appearance of varicose veins is triggered by blood clotting in the veins, ie venous thrombosis. Varicose veins can also be congenital. In this case, it occurs due to the absence of venous valves at birth or a malfunction of the valves along the route of the leg veins.

Poor valve function is called valvular incompetence and is the inability of the valves to close, thus ensuring the efficient return of blood from the periphery to the heart. As a result, the blood "falls" under gravitational action in the sloping portion of the lower limbs, a process called venous reflux.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

In the early stages, varicose veins may be asymptomatic. Symptoms appear later, as the disease progresses.

Valve incompetence over time leads to increased pressure in the veins of the legs and the appearance of symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Swollen feet
• Bleeding
• Feeling restless
• Fatigue
• Itching in the lower limbs

If left untreated, varicose veins can cause thrombosis and varicose ulcers.

How many types of varicose veins are there?

Varicose veins are of two types.

Primary varicose veins

They develop in the absence of a favorable disease and have a genetic component (they are inherited). Specifically, the inheritance of the gene that produces lower quality collagen leads to veins with weaker walls. The collagen in the structure of the veins is the main resistance material, and it yields under the weight / pressure of the blood column, expanding.

In the case of primary varicose veins that have a genetic cause, the hereditary factor is the one that determines the occurrence of recurrences after the initial surgical treatment.

There is a possibility that after an initial surgical treatment a varicose recurrence may occur, this being a current condition that falls in the context of a progressive disease: chronic venous disease.

According to studies, the recurrence of varicose veins from primary intervention is between 6.6-37% at 2 years and up to 51% at 5 years.

Secondary varicose veins

They appear as a subsequent manifestation of an episode of acute venous thrombosis. Most often, secondary varicose veins are located in the lower limbs, genitals, pelvis, but also in the esophagus.

How can varicose veins be diagnosed?

In the early stages, varicose veins are asymptomatic, which is why, in most cases, patients arrive for specialized consultation in the advanced stages of the disease.

Investigations used in the diagnosis and monitoring of varicose veins include continuous Doppler and color Doppler ultrasound.

How can varicose veins be treated?

The treatment of varicose veins is performed depending on the size of the veins, symptoms and associated conditions, as well as the location 

There are several treatment options, and the decision belongs to the specialist or the interdisciplinary team that monitors the case.

The most effective type of treatment is the least invasive. At present, conventional classical surgery techniques are used less frequently, with procedures such as:

• endodermal ablations
• cryoablations
• chemical ablations

The goals of surgery are to stop the venous reflux and remove secondary varicose veins.

What treatment methods for varicose veins exist at the Vascularte Clinic?

Within the Vascularte Clinic, all interventions are minimally invasive. The treatment is personalized and is based on preoperative hemodynamic mapping in which the condition of the entire venous system is analyzed and the sources of reflux are identified.

Radiofrequency (RF) treatment is a minimally invasive method of thermal ablation that uses high frequency waves for fibrotic closure of the vein. This type of treatment does not require hospitalization, the recovery being fast. Radiofrequency treatment does not involve inclusions and is a safe method of treatment, with minimal risks and exceptional aesthetic results.

Intravenous LASER treatment is also a minimally invasive method of thermal ablation, which uses amplified light. The treatment has long-term aesthetic and functional results.

Venaseal is the least invasive method of treatment. It involves gluing the vein with cyanoacrylate (superglue), the end result being the closure of the vein and the abolition of reflux. This method is contraindicated in dilated varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy is a commonly used method, with very good results in the case of small veins. The method is complementary to intravenous thermal treatments, being recommended in case of varicose veins recurrence.

Microsclerotherapy is recommended for broken, very fine veins in the shape of a spider's web.

In the case of large venous dilatations, macrosclerotherapy is used, a procedure similar to sclerotherapy.

Periodic post-procedural control and / or hospitalization are mandatory and allow the performance of complementary treatments (sclerotherapy) at the first manifestations of varicose recurrence.

Can varicose veins be prevented?

There is no way to prevent this condition from occurring 100%. However, there are a number of recommendations that can lead to improved blood circulation to reduce the risk of developing venous disease.

These are:

• Daily physical exercises for the legs
• Avoid molded clothing that impedes blood circulation
• Use compression stockings
• Hormonal balance / Elimination of hormonal fluctuation