Varicose veins treatment and thread vein removal by sclerotherapy and surgery

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

BVI in the Press and on TV

Vein Clinics

Reports and Papers

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New treatments

	Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy This method is used as an alternative to surgery for large varicose veins. The main surface is vein is injected with a special foam under ultrasound guidance. The foam destroys the lining of the vein and a firm bandage is applied to the leg. This type of injection is suitable for treating the main surface veins as well as varicose veins. The procedure does not require an operating theatre and is usually carried out in a consulting room or treatment room. The injection causes only trivial discomfort. The cost of this treatment is considerably less than surgery, VNUS closure and EVLT – laser treatment
	VNUS closure A general anaesthetic or tumescent local anaesthetic is required. A wire is inserted into the vein from the knee or calf towards the groin under ultrasound imaging monitoring. The end of the catheter is electrically heated emitting radiofrequency rays. The catheter is gradually withdrawn down the vein heating up and destroying the vein as it goes. The visible varicosities are not treated by this treatment and have to be dealt with by either phlebectomy or sclerotherapy. Although surgery is avoided a general anaesthetic and operating room is required. The cost of this treatment is also considerably greater than all other treatment options including surgery.
	Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins This method is similar to the VNUS Closure closure technique. A general anaesthetic or tumescent local anaesthetic is required. This time a laser fibre is passed along the vein from the knee or calf towards the groin to treat large varicose veins in the thigh. The progress of the wire is monitored using ultrasound imaging. When the laser fibre is in position the laser is fired to heat the vein. The vein near the end of the laser fibre is destroyed. Gradually the wire is removed from the leg until all of the diseased vein is destroyed. Visible veins on the surface of the leg would need to be treated by an alternative method The cost is more than for ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and surgery.
	Creams and Pills A range of creams to rub on thread veins and pills to treat vein problems is advertised from a number of sources. Some of the pills may reduce aching from varicose veins. No medication of any type removes varicose veins - whatever the suppliers may say! Help! All these treatments! Which is the one for me? 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

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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.