Varicose Veins Flashcards
1
Q
What are varicose veins?
A
Swollen twisted superficial veins that can be seen under the skin
2
Q
What causes it?
A
- Multifactorial
3
Q
What is the primary pathology cause?
A
- Veins have a one way valve that keeps blood flowing back to the heart
- If valves become weak or damaged then blood can travel back up the veins and pool causing them to swell
4
Q
What vein is most commonly affected?
A
- Long saphenous
5
Q
Symptoms?
A
- Localised/generalised discomfort
- Nocturnal cramp
- Swelling
- Acute haemorrhage
- Pruritis
6
Q
Signs?
A
- Obvious external signs
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
7
Q
Risk factors?
A
- Older
- Female
- Obese
- Low exercise
- Family history of venous issues
- Pregnancy
8
Q
Relieving factors?
A
- Exercising
- Losing weight
- Elevation
- Loose clothing
- Compression stockings
9
Q
What general anaesthetic surgical procedure can be done to remove a varicose vein?
A
- High tie/ligation of the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junctions
10
Q
What minimally invasive operations can be done?
A
- Foam sclerotherapy injection
- Endovenous laser ablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
11
Q
What is foam sclerotherapy inject?
A
- Needle is inserted into affected veins and foam is injected
- Chemical reaction with endothelium
12
Q
What is endovenous laser ablation?
A
- Thermal ablation
- Micropuncture needle inserted into affected saphenous vein
- Guidewire attached
- Catheter and guidewire inserted and lase fibre introduced
- Heated up inside the vein to destroy it
13
Q
What is radiofrequency ablation?
A
- Veins heated up to 85 degrees to cause them to close
14
Q
What are the contraindication to surgery?
A
- Previous DVT
- Arterial insufficiency
- Co morbidity
- Obese
15
Q
What complications can occur?
A
- Haemorrhage
- Thrombophlebitis
- Haematoma
- Infection
