Varicose Veins Flashcards
1
Q
What is pathology of varicose veins?
A
- Superficial veins are thick walled and confined by fascia (unlike deep veins)
- Valve incompetence puts pressure on neighbouring valves = retrograde flow
- = Variscosity
- = tortuous and dilated veins
2
Q
What are the risk factors for varicose veins?
A
PMH
- DVT
- Oedema
- Thombophlebitis
- CVD morbidity
- > 2 pregnancies
- Hospital stay
3
Q
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
A
- Tortuous/thread veins
- Itching/discomfort/dull ache
- Heaviness of leg
- Night cramps
- Oedema
- Exercise intolerance
4
Q
What are the investigations for varicose veins?
A
- Focussed Examination
IMAGING
-Hand-held Doppler, Duplex US, Colour-flow imaging
Venous refilling time = time taken to refill lower leg w/ blood after it has been maximally emptied by calf muscle pump
Maximum venous outflow - time taken for leg distended by tourniquet to empty
5
Q
How are varicose veins managed?
A
CONSERVATIVE
-exercise and weight loss
SURGICAL -Endothermal ablation -Avulsion _Stripping -Ambulatory phlebectomy
