Vein
Disorders
(Varizen)
Varicose
veins are veins between the skin (spider veins are
in the skin) that have become dilated and tortuous
(twisting and curling rather than straight). Varicose
veins are not just unsightly but can also lead to
serious health problems such as:
• Inflammation of veins
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Venous Ulcer
Phlebitis/Thrombosis
Phlebitis or inflammation of the veins can
lead to thrombosis (blood clots) and swelling in the
legs. Deep Vein Thrombosis can be life threatening
as blood clots can travel into the lungs causing a
pulmonary embolism.
Spider Veins
Spider
veins are mainly a cosmetic problem. Thin spider veins
are red in colour, thicker ones are blue.
Depending on the size and thickness of veins they
can be treated with sclerotherapy or by using laser
and ultrasound procedures.
Venous Ulcers (Ulcus)
In
addition to the dangers of thrombosis and swelling
in the legs, varicose veins can lead to skin damage
and in extreme cases to venous ulcer of the leg.
Diagnosis
In our practice the diagnosis of veins is carried
out using the most modern ultrasound technology (colour
duplex sonograph), doppler ultrasound and a special
halogen light device. X-rays are normally not necessary.
Treatment
It is important to diagnose the extent of the vein
degeneration before treatment is agreed. Early diagnosis
and therapy usually means that surgery can be avoided
or postponed.
Non-Operative (or Non-Invasive) Procedures include:
•
sclerotherapy
• laser & radio frequency therapy
• compression therapy for vein and lymphatic
conditions
• manual/physical therapy
Surgical/Operative Procedures
•
Vein Stripping
• Minimally invasive Stripping
• Modern surgical procedures are minimally invasive.
They involve making a small incision in the groin
area or in the area at the back of the knee. The resultant
scarring is minimal. Wounds heal quickly and the patient
is quickly mobile again.
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