Varicose Veins Flashcards
Define Varicose veins
Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous, superficial veins associated with valvular incompetence.
Varicose veins primary causes
idiopathic
varicose veins secondary causes
- DVT
- Pelvic mass (pregnancy or uterine fibroids)
- arteriovenous malformations
varicose veins Risk Factors
- Prolonged standing
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Family history
varicose veins assoc. Sx
- aching
- itching/dry skin
- discolouration of the skin
- Cramping
varicose veins complications
thrombophlebitis
ulceration
bleeding
varicose eczema
haemosiderin (Fe storing protein) deposition
varicose vein gold standard Ix
duplex ultrasound: assessing for valve incompetence at the great or short saphenous veins and any perforators
what is a duplex USS
a non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in arteries and veins
varicose veins conservative Mx
avoiding prolonged standing
weight loss
increase exercise
Compression stockings
varicose veins endovenous surgical Mx
Endovenous Laser Ablation: A catheter with a laser or radiofrequency probe is inserted into the vein to heat and close it, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
Foam sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the vein to make it collapse and eventually disappear
varicose veins open surgical Mx
Vein ligation, stripping, and avulsion: involves making an incision in the groin (or popliteal fossa) and identifying the responsible refluxing vein, before tying it off and stripping it away
