Vein diseases or venous diseases are conditions in which the vessels that return blood to the heart experience a negative impairment.
Diseases of the Circulatory System
These impairments can include: blockage of blood flow due to internal thrombi or external compression, blood refluxing back into the legs, or structural damage to the veins themselves.
Vein diseases are so common that they represent a major public health concern.
Symptoms of Poor Circulation
Symptoms vary widely and can sometimes be caused by other underlying medical conditions. They may present as burning, itching, heaviness, fatigue, pain, stabbing sensations in the legs, swelling, inflammation, varicose veins, and even ulcers.
Causes of Vein Diseases
The most significant risk factors include genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hormonal changes, aging, and unhealthy habits such as standing for prolonged periods.
Diagnosis of Vein Diseases
Physical examination is the primary step. Subsequently, non-invasive imaging studies can be performed, such as Doppler ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs.
Other more complex and invasive diagnostic methods include:
- Venography: Injecting a contrast agent into the veins to visualize them using fluoroscopy (X-rays).
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): Cannulating a vein to insert a microscopic ultrasound probe, allowing internal examination of the venous system.
Treatment for Vein Diseases
Treatments depend on the type and stage of the venous disease.
The most common procedures include:
- Sclerotherapy: Injecting a solution into veins to collapse and close them.
- Micro-phlebectomy: Removing veins through tiny incisions.
- Traditional Surgery: Procedures such as saphenous vein stripping (safenectomy).
- Minimally Invasive Endovascular Surgery: Utilizing laser or radiofrequency ablation.
Other less common and more complex procedures involve dissolving blood clots, balloon angioplasty to dilate occluded or compressed veins, and placing intravascular stents.
Most Common Venous Conditions
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Venous stasis ulcers
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Venous vascular trauma
- Mesenteric vein thrombosis
- Obstructive venous syndromes (Nutcracker / May-Thurner)
At the Vascular, Arterial, and Venous Disease Area at Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care. Contact us today!
