Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis
Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis
Introduction
What are They?
Investigation of Varicose Veins
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Surgical Treatment
Thread Veins & Sclerotherapy
Painful Veins
New Treatments
Traveller's Thrombosis
Photoderm Treatment
Links
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BVI in the Press and on TV
Vein Clinics
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Vein Expert at the West London Vein Clinic

Mr Philip Coleridge Smith DM FRCS 

Reader in Surgery and Consultant Vascular Surgeon, UCL Medical School, London

Mr Coleridge Smith is well known for his publications on ultrasound imaging in venous disease, surgical treatment of venous disease and the skin microcirculation in patients with venous ulceration. He is one of the UK's leading experts on ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. He regularly attends international congresses in many countries to give lectures on his work. He is an editor of the 'European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery', a prestigious medical journal where he edits the venous section. 

Mr Philip Coleridge Smith DM FRCS
Reader in Surgery, UCL Medical School, London .
Consultant Vascular Surgeon – BVI Medical Director
The West London Vein Clinic: 0870 609 2389
 
 
© 2006-7 - West London Vein Clinic
  
Arteries bring blood from the heart to the extremities. Veins contain one way valves and channel blood back to the heart. When there is obstruction of veins, or when prolonged pressure is placed on the veins, the valves stretch and no longer close properly. This allows blood to travel back down the veins towards the feet. The veins in the legs that are near to the surface of the skin enlarge and result in what is commonly called varicose veins. These can range from minor dilatations to large bunch of grape-like structures in the calf. Very small purple or blue veins in the skin of the legs are called "thread veins" or "spider veins" or dermal flares and often occur alongside large varicose veins. Some people are only affected by dermal flares. Both types of varicose veins are probably caused by the same factors. Varicose veins is a slowly progressive disease which if left untreated can lead to marked skin change damage or ulceration near the ankle. Why do varicose veins arise? Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis Heredity is important in the development of varicose veins, thread veins and spider veins. Up to 20% of the adult population have varicose veins and experience discomfort as a result. Many people know of other family members with the same problem. A recent study showed that where both parents had varicose veins there was an 80% chance of their children developing varices. Environmental factors also play a large part in the development of varicosities, for example, prolonged standing - especially for workers such as nurses, sales assistants, flight attendants, waitresses and teachers, for example. Diet may also be a factor, and our Western diet with high content of fat and refined sugar with low fiber content may contribute to the development of varicose veins, spider veins and thread veins. Varicose veins may also become more frequent with advancing age, but may appear at any time of life and small varices are sometimes seen in school children. Although all factors such as puberty, pregnancy and the menopause also influence the course of the disease. As many as 70 - 80% of pregnant women develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes an increase in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn causes veins to enlarge. Later in pregnancy, the enlarge uterus causes increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis. Approximately 60 - 70% of varicose veins due to pregnancy will disappear within a few months of delivery. Little research has been done to investigate the role of the pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the development of varicose veins. These probably have no influence on them. What are the symptoms Treatment of varicose veins and thread veins by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm and surgery Varicose veins may cause feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching and cramps in the legs. These symptoms are often accompanied by swelling of the ankle, which frequently appears after long hours of standing. Some people are very troubled by the aching that varicose veins produce. Even small dermal flares can result in severe aching which prevents standing for any length of time. What can I do to prevent them? Treatment of varicose veins and thread veins by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm and surgery Many of the things that seem to cause varicose veins are difficult to avoid such as a family history of Western way of life. Where possible standing still for long periods should be avoided. Walking is much better for the veins and helps the blood return to the heart from the legs. In occupations that require extended periods of standing then a few steps should be taken at regular short intervals to help circulation. Wearing support stockings may also reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. No creams or drugs are available to prevent varicose veins. The earlier varicose veins and dermal flares are treated the better the long term and cosmetic outcome.