Venous and lymphatic disease - presentation, investigation and therapy Flashcards
Define varicose viens
Dilated superficial veins in the lower limbs
affects largely middle aged woman
What is the cause of varicose veins
Failure of venous valves as they become leaky and lead to back flow of blood
What sites are affected by varicose veins
Long saphenous - 80-87%,
Short saphenous - 21-30%
What is the potential history of a varicose veins pattern
Standing occupation Pregnancy - twins previous DVT Previous major trauma Family history - can be hereditary Complications
What is the signs and symptoms of varicose veins
Cosmesis - disfiguring
Localised or generalised discomfort in the leg
Nocturnal cramps
Swelling
Acute haemorrhage
Superficial thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the wall of a vein associated with thrombosis)
Pruritus - itching
Skin changes
Why does acute haemorrhage occur in varicose veins
Skin becomes fragile over dilated veins so is therefore more prone to bleeding
What skin changes can be seen with varicose veins
discolouration
spider veins
How is varicose veins assessed
With duplex ultrasound:
Non-invasive evaluation of blood flow through arteries and veins
When is intervention for varicose veins required
When symptoms are present
superficial thrombophlebitis
signs of chronic venous insufficiency
bleeding
What is the treatment options for varicose veins
Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures involving thermal ablation:
Endovenous Laser removal
Radio frequency ablation
Injection - sclerotherapy
Compression
What occurs in superficial venous surgery
Happens under general anaesthetic
Tiring of the saphenous vein’s junction and then several tiny cuts are made in the skin through which the varicosed vein is removed
What occurs in the injection of foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins
Needle inserted into the incompetent veins under ultrasound control
Foam injected
Foam creates a chemical reaction with endothelium
Thermal ablation occurs destroying incompetent vein tissue with heat
What is the purpose of the ultrasound control when injecting foam
prevented from entering deep venous system
What is the steps in the endogenous later removal technique
Uses ultrasound
Micro puncture needle inserted into the incompetent long or short saphenous veins
Guidewire introduced, and manoeuvred to saphenous junction with deep vein
Catheter and laser fibre introduced over
guide wire to 1cm below junction
and thermal ablation occurs
What occurs in radio frequency ablation (VNUS)
Catheter inserted (thermal ablation) Vein warmed to 85ºC and collapses catheter slowing withdrawn and loses vein