Veins are responsible for returning blood from the extremities to the heart.
In the legs, a system of valves that open and close allows blood to flow towards the heart against gravity. In superficial veins, when a valve fails, reflux or reversal of flow occurs. As a result, increased pressure on the vein walls below the valve causes dilatation of the vein, which we observe as a bulging varicose vein.
Varicose veins range in size from an eighth of an inch to over half an inch. They often collapse when the legs are elevated, but refill immediately upon standing. Considered by many physicians to be no more than an unsightly nuisance, the truth is that they continue to progress over one's lifetime and may result in severe health problems such as venous ulceration, permanent skin thickening and discoloration, phlebitis, chronic leg swelling and spontaneous bleeding. They may be painful, cause burning or itching, or at times not create any symptoms at all. There is a strong hereditary link in families, but pregnancies and long periods of daily standing can play a role in their development as well. A large percentage of the adult population, both male and female, is affected.
Treatments for varicosities include Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) and/or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy with excellent results.
Perhaps the most significant part of your consultation for varicose veins is the ultrasound examination combined with color Doppler flow performed by Dr. Agostini. This exam will determine the exact location of valve failure, size of the veins requiring treatment, and other areas of venous incompetency, such as perforator veins and abnormal blood flow dynamics, so that the most accurate plan of treatment can be formulated for you. At VLS, we strongly believe that the physician who will ultimately provide your treatment should be the person who performs the ultrasound exam, due to the inherent variability and complexity of venous disease.
Normal vein with normal blood flow
Varicose vein with failing
valves and reverse blood flow
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