Common Vein Diseases and Treatments
Our blood circulatory system comprises of three types of vessels—arteries, veins and lymphatic. Arteries carry the oxygen rich blood from the heart to rest of the body, lymphatic carry the proteins and fluids back into circulation that are leaked from the arteries and veins. Veins carry the oxygen depleted blood back to heart. This venous system has low pressure and hence the blood flow is dependent on the contractions of the muscles of arms and legs. If we are not physically active, there are chances that the venous blood flow back to lungs for re-oxygenation is affected and therefore can end up having several physiological complaints.
Common vein diseases are blockage and inadequate blood drainage. Blockage or Thrombosis is caused due to a clot formed in the venous system that hinders the smooth flow of blood. Varicose veins, which is the most common thrombosis occurs when a clot is accompanied by an inflammation. The vein treatments depend on the severity of the clot or blockage. Most of the diseases are not life threatening and can be treated easily.
Varicose veins treatment
Depending up on the acuteness of the disease, vein treatments may vary from physical exercise to vein removal surgery. Various varicose veins treatments are:
Sclerotherapy - the procedure of injecting small or medium-sized varicose veins with a special foam solution which closes the veins. In a few weeks the vein will fade. Sclerotherapy is effective if done correctly; though multiple sessions may be needed. The procedure doesn't require anesthesia and can be done in as outpatient.
Laser surgeries - Laser light is used to close off spider veins and smaller varicose veins. Strong bursts of light are send onto the vein. This makes the vein fade and disappear slowly. There is no need of incisions or needles. For larger veins a thin tube called catheter is inserted into the vein and the tip of the catheter are heated using laser energy. The catheter is then pulled out. The resultant heat breaks the vein and cause it to collapse and seal shut.
Vein stripping and High ligation - in this procedure the vein is tied to prevent it from joining a deep vein. The tied vein is the removed through small incisions. Mostly this will be an outpatient procedure. Since the deeper veins takes care of larger volumes of blood, there won’t be any side effects.
Ambulatory phlebectomy - smaller varicose veins are removed through a series of tiny skin punctures by making only those areas on the leg numb. Scarring is minimal in this procedure.
Endoscopic vein surgery - only for advanced cases surgery is suggested. The cases are mainly when the varicose vein causes too much discomfort and pain or when the patient is vulnerable to leg ulcer or even cancer.
Whatever is the treatment method, the patient should do some self-care as well like mild physical exercises, elevating legs while resting, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. These self-care methods can ease the pain and discomfort in case of mild vein disorders.
Even though not a life threatening disease, vein treatments are always caused confusion; which is most effective and time saving. Varicose veins treatment at Vein Center can be mostly done as patient procedures, are safe and effective.