What is Venous Insufficiency?
To help the blood make the steep climb up to the limbs, the veins need to work properly & efficiently to get the blood to the heart. Sometimes the veins do not function properly which can be related to pressure, obesity, heredity, valve deficiency, and other causes. When this happens, blood can pool in the veins which puts pressure on the walls of the veins. This is known as venous insufficiency or venous disease.
Like many conditions, venous insufficiency is easier to treat when it’s diagnosed early. If left untreated, venous insufficiency can lead to severe pain, varicose veins, ulcers, swelling, and open wounds. These ulcers can be difficult to heal and are prone to infection. That’s why it is important to make a consultation with the American Endovascular affiliated team of physicians if you or someone you know is suffering from any one of these symptoms.
- Swelling in lower legs and ankles—particularly after prolonged standing
- Aching or tiredness in legs—characterized by tightness in the calves or itchiness
- Varicose veins—especially new ones near the calves and ankles
- Flaking skin—Can be extremely itchy near the feet
Venous Insufficiency Causes
There are many reasons why the leg veins can break down. It could be a result of age, reduced mobility, or even extended sitting. It is quite common. It tends to affect people above the age of 50, and more often women. The following are other factors that may cause venous insufficiency.
- Overweight
- Pregnancy
- Family history of venous insufficiency
- Damaged leg due to an injury, or previous blood clots
- High blood pressure
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Phlebitis (inflamed vein close to the skin)
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Venous Insufficiency Treatment
Venous insufficiency will not go away on its own, and the disease can become more dangerous as it progresses. If you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of venous insufficiency, it is essential that you schedule an appointment at an American Endovascular affiliated center.
Our team can diagnose and treat venous insufficiency with a variety of minimally invasive-image guided techniques that can successfully minimize or eliminate the condition. Prior to treatment, a thorough physician exam, history, and duplex ultrasound is necessary. We offer the following venous insufficiency treatments at American Endovascular.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
This cutting-edge technique helps minimize the effects of venous insufficiency via high-frequency radio waves or a laser. Both work by heating up the vein and eliminating the bad veins, with minimal bleeding or bruising. As a result, less blood pools in the leg, dramatically improving blood flow while reducing the bulging veins common with venous insufficiency.
Mini Phlebectomy
Minimally invasive specialized tool to remove abnormal bulging veins (varicose veins) with a tiny incision so small that it does not even need a suture.
Image Guided Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound &/or fluoroscopic guided sclerotherapy can also be utilized for more complex venous insufficiency channels that may be very deep and/or portuous requiring this adjunctive sophisticated technique.
Stenting Abnormal Deep Veins
In more advanced venous insufficiency, the main problem may be a very narrowed or occluded vein from a prior occlusive event such as blood clot, thrombis, a prior trauma, or an active compressive effect such as portuous artery (May-Thurner Syndrome). In these cases, the vein will be re-opened with a variety of techniques ultimately requiring a stent to re-establish the normal framework of the vein wall.
What to Expect from Venous Insufficiency Treatment
Venous Insufficiency FAQ
Venous insufficiency is most commonly caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Your leg vein is damaged by a blood clot. Those with a history of DVT are at a higher risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency.
In order to treat venous insufficiency, being aware of the symptoms can help you catch it at the earliest possible stage. The early warning signs of venous insufficiency are varicose veins, leg pain, swelling in your lower leg, and changes in your skin, such as discoloration.
Insufficient blood flow to the legs may indicate the presence of a blood clot deep inside, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A pulmonary embolism can occur if pieces of the clot break off and travel to your lungs, which can be fatal and a life-threatening medical emergency.
Our Vascular Specialists
American Endovascular is proud to be affiliated with vascular specialists in NY and NJ that represent the “best of the best.” Our affiliated physicians at our vascular centers are nationally recognized as leaders in vascular and interventional radiology, providing high-quality and compassionate care for our patients living with PAD. Our affiliated vascular specialists perform venous insufficiency treatments for patients in New York and New Jersey.
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