Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that affects many people, and it occurs when the veins in your legs have trouble sending blood back to your heart. When the valves in the veins are damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the legs. This can lead to symptoms like swelling, pain, and skin changes. These are some recent treatment options that are available for treating CVI:
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is a starting point for managing CVI symptoms. Applying consistent pressure helps your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. Specialized stockings are a standard form of this therapy, and they come in various strengths and styles. Based on your individual needs, your healthcare provider can recommend a specific pressure level.
Sclerotherapy Treatments
When you have CVI, sclerotherapy is a procedure that treats varicose and spider veins. A healthcare professional typically injects a solution directly into the affected vein. This solution causes the vein to scar, and blood reroutes through healthier veins. Local tissue eventually reabsorbs the collapsed vein, and it fades over time.
There are different types of scleropathy treatments available, and the solution depends on the size of the vein being treated. At some clinics, foam sclerotherapy uses a solution that is mixed with air to create a foam. This foam consistency allows it to treat larger varicose veins. Your doctor will determine which approach is appropriate for your situation.
Another variation is ultrasound-guided scleropathy. With this method, your provider uses ultrasound imaging to guide the injection. This technique allows for the precise treatment of veins that are not visible on the skin’s surface, and the use of ultrasound enhances the accuracy of the injection.
Laser Ablation
Laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating larger varicose veins. This technique uses laser heat to close off a damaged vein, and a thin fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision. When the laser at the tip of the fiber delivers heat, it causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut.
As blood flows naturally to nearby healthy veins, the body absorbs the closed vein over the following weeks and months. This procedure typically occurs in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia. Doctors may encourage patients to walk immediately after the procedure, and they do this to promote good circulation.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another minimally invasive option for chronic venous insufficiency. Similar to laser ablation, it uses heat to close a problematic vein. Instead of laser energy, RFA uses radiofrequency energy. A catheter is inserted into the vein, and it delivers controlled heat to the vein wall.
The heat causes the vein to collapse and seal. The body then reroutes blood through other, healthier veins nearby. This procedure is also performed on an outpatient basis. Your recovery process will involve specific instructions from your provider, which may include:
- Wearing compression stockings
- Walking regularly
- Avoiding strenuous activity for a period
Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Managing CVI involves working closely with a healthcare professional. Several treatment options exist, and these include conservative methods and minimally invasive procedures. After a thorough evaluation, a specialist can outline a personalized plan. If you are experiencing symptoms of CVI, schedule a consultation with a vein specialist to discuss your options.