Disorders of Veins
The anatomy of our veins is more variable than the anatomy of the arteries but generally can be classified deep (large and not visible) and superficial veins (smaller and visible just under the skin). Veins have one-way valves that are designed to allow blood to go back to the lungs and prevent blood from pooling in the feet and legs. If the vein valves aren’t functioning properly, the veins may become varicosed (dilated) and prone to clots or painful symptoms. Varicose veins represent the most common disorder of the venous system and although not life threatening, can be painful, troublesome and annoying. Spider veins are very small varicose veins that occur in the skin (rather than below the skin level) and are a cosmetic blemish. Spider veins very rarely cause symptoms. At Northwest Surgical Specialists we use the latest therapies in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins tailored to the individual patient anatomy and expectations. These treatments include compression stockings, injection sclerotherapy (for spider veins), minimally invasive therapies (including tumescent ablation techniques and radio frequency ablation techniques), and surgical stripping and removal. Surgical consultation is necessary to describe specific treatment options and results since these are quite variable and dependent on the individual patient’s anatomy.
Clots in the veins are known by the medical term thrombophlebitis. Depending on the veins involved, treatment may include elevation, anti-inflammatory medication, compression, clot dissolving drugs or anticoagulants (blood thinning medications). Very occasionally, surgery may be performed to reduce permanent swelling and skin changes. When the clotting process involves the deep veins, a very serious problem may occur - pulmonary embolus - a potentially lethal condition resulting from the dislodgment of the clots from the leg or pelvis which then travel to the lung. After resolution of the acute clotting process, a chronic blockage of the veins may result in venous insufficiency - a permanent swelling of the ankles and legs that can result in skin ulcers in the area of the ankle. Occasionally, surgery may be indicated to treat this debilitating and painful condition.
As is the general philosophy of the Northwest Surgical Specialists, minimally invasive alternatives to the treatment of venous disorders are considered first and all treatment options are discussed in detail prior to making a final treatment plan. Conservative and non-surgical therapies are often the most desirable.