Varicose and spider veins affect millions of people throughout the world. Over the last 10 years, the treatment of both varicose and spider veins has changed drastically. Initially, the only available treatment for varicose veins was a radical surgical procedure called ligation and stripping, which required multiple incisions and stitches. This has now been replaced by techniques to close the leaking valves of the veins with either a laser or radio frequency instrument. Spider veins, which were initially treated only with an irritating saline solution with multiple potential side effects has largely been replaced by foam sclerotherapy, which has excellent results and very few side effects.
In my vein practice, there are a multitude of commonly asked questions concerning veins and I wanted to address them for you here.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins have many factors that can lead to their formation. The most common reason for varicose veins to form is strictly a heredity component. If your mom or dad has varicose veins, then there is a strong propensity for this to be passed on to you. The second common cause of varicose veins in women are pregnancies. This is due to the uterus putting pressure on the pelvic veins, resulting in weakening of the valves leading ultimately to varicose veins. Other common causes of varicose veins are trauma, prolonged standing, aging and prolonged inactivity.
What are the complications of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can lead to many potential complications. These can include clots in the veins which are called superficial phlebitis or superficial thrombophlebitis. In addition to that, varicose veins can bleed. They can lead to ulcerations and they can lead to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, which is a discoloration and swelling of the leg from backup of blood over a long period of time.
Are the treatments of varicose veins and spider veins considered cosmetic?
The answer to this question can be both yes and no. Varicose veins are almost always a non cosmetic issue when it can be proven that they are due to valvular insufficiency. Valvular insufficiency is proven by an extensive venous ultrasound. Spider veins, on the other hand, can be due to valvular insufficiency in approximately a third of instances. However, if there is no valvular insufficiency demonstrated, then spider veins would be considered strictly cosmetic.
What is phlebitis?
Phlebitis is essentially an inflammation of the veins. There are two kinds of phlebitis — one is called superficial phlebitis or superficial thrombophlebitis, which is due to a clot in a varicose vein. This is usually treated with warm compresses and anti-inflammatory medication, and usually resolves within 10 days to two weeks. There is a very low threat of this progressing to a deep thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism.
On the other hand, deep venous thrombophlebitis is a clot of the deeper veins, namely the femoral and popliteal veins and also the iliac veins. These are veins located deep in the body. Clots that develop in these areas are serious and must be treated with anticoagulation consisting usually with heparin and coumadin. They also have a risk of breaking off and going to the lungs to cause pulmonary embolisms.
Do varicose veins recur after treatment?
The recurrence rate of varicose veins after vein closure treatment is approximately five percent within five years. If veins do occur, then a source for the recurrence must be established. This could be other valves that have reopened or accessory veins that have formed, or even duplicated veins. Again, this can be ascertained by a duplex ultrasound.
How do you treat varicose veins?
The treatment of varicose veins is to close the leaking valves with either a laser or radiofrequency device. This is done in an office environment under a local anesthesia with mild sedation and carries an excellent cosmetic result. There is no longer any need for extensive incisions or any prolonged surgery.
How do you treat spider veins?
Spider veins are treated by sclerotherapy, which is the injection of a solution to eradicate the vein. There are many forms of sclerotherapy including liquid sclerotherapy, ultrasonic guided sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy. There are also many kinds of sclerotherapy agents including: the detergent agent sodium tetradecyl and the irritant glycerin. The old sclerotherapy of hypertonic saline is rarely used.
What happens to blood in the leg after varicose veins are treated?
This is one of my most commonly asked questions in patients who undergo laser vein ablation. You must remember that the saphenous vein is a superficial vein. So in treating it, we are only treating veins in the superficial system. There are actually three levels of veins in the body. A superficial system, a deep system and a connecting system. The deep and connecting systems are not touched, therefore, once the superficial system is closed, blood will flow normally through the connecting system to the deep system without any change in the function of the leg.
How long do I wear compression hose following vein treatment?
As a rule of thumb, following laser vein ablation or radiofrequency ablation, two weeks of compression therapy is recommended. This usually consists of a graduated compression stocking and/or support bandages. In reference to spider vein treatment, usually 48 hours of compression therapy is all that is necessary.
How is the diagnosis of valvular insufficiency made?
The answer to this question is that an extensive duplex ultrasound of the venous system will determine the diagnosis of valvular insufficiency. This should be done by a certified technician and interpreted by a physician who is certified to read duplex ultrasounds.
By Dr. Landi
Reviewed February 10, 2017
