varicose veins

Question 1

what are varicose veins?

Answer 1

tortuous dilated superficial veins

Question 2

what are they caused by?

Answer 2

weak vein walls causing dilation and valve incompetence

Question 3

how are varicose veins investogated

Answer 3

doppler ultrasound

Question 4

what can you do with varicose veins?

Answer 4

Can be left untreated, compressed, injected or operated on

Question 5

risk factors for varicose veins?

Answer 5

↑Age
Pregnancy
↑ No. of pregnancies
Long periods of standing – e.g. occupation as a teacher, shop assistant, surgeon(!) etc
Family History

Question 6

two mechanisms which maintain adequate venous return

Answer 6

valves prevent back flow

pressure generated by muscles, noteably the calf muscles

Question 7

complications of the veins themselves?

Answer 7

bleeding

thrombophlebitis

Question 8

do varicose veins increase the risk of DVTS?

Answer 8

no

Question 9

what would the veins be like in thrombophlebitis and thrombus?

Answer 9

tender in thrombophlebitis and hard in thrombus

Question 10

if oedema is the main problem, what can be used

Answer 10

compression stockings

Question 11

newer techniques that can be done under local anaesthetic and appear to have quicker recovery rates.?

Answer 11

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)