varicose veins and thread veins treated by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm and surgery at The Vein Clinic, Dublin

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

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How are Varicose Veins Investigated?

A physical examination is useful in showing the extent of the varicose veins, but it is not always clear from where varicosities arise. This is especially true when varicose veins have recurred after a previous operation. Even experienced vascular surgeons find it difficult to decide exactly where the problem lies without the use of special investigations.

Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis

Colour duplex ultrasound imaging is now universally acknowledged to be the gold standard for investigating venous disease. It is the least invasive and most informative technique available. Ultrasonography reliably shows the source of the varices and venous ulcers, as well as demonstrating thrombosis of the deep veins, by obtaining pictures of the veins and measuring blood flow in the vessels. In this way it is also easy to visualise the leaky valves. The investigation and machine used is similar to that undertaken when scanning during pregnancy. This investigation should always be performed before undertaking any form of treatment whether surgical or by injections.

Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis

Ultrasound imaging is used to mark the exact position of veins on the leg before an operation. This makes sure that all veins are removed though the smallest possible cuts.

Photoplethysmography and strain gauge plethysmography, blood flow measuring techniques, are also used to measure the function of the veins in the leg. Using these tests doctors can find out whether the overall function of all veins in the leg is normal, or if there is a problem with the deep veins, or obstruction in any major vein.

All of these tests are called "non-invasive", that is none of them involves any needles or injections and, in fact, none of these tests are painful!

Help! All these treatments! Which is the one for me?

Vein Experts at The Vein Clinic, Dublin

The Vein Clinic, Dublin: 01-2937839

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.