Prevention of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism
admin Preventions and Tips, uncategeriozed

Prevention of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the medical condition where a blood clot develops in the deep veins, commonly in the legs. This blood clot can lead to partial or complete blockage in the vein, damage the one-way valves, and prevent blood flow back to the heart.

The blood clot can even break free and move to other vital body organs such as the lungs eventually leading to the life-threatening medical condition called Pulmonary Embolism.

DVT is dangerous and early diagnosis is vital to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. You must always be careful about the symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance in case of any discomfort.

Common Symptoms of DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis can be recognized by the following common signs:

  1. Pain and tenderness in the leg
  2. Swelling, generally in one leg
  3. Skin discoloration where the skin turns reddish or bluish
  4. Leg feels warm on touch

Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism can be easily identified by the below-mentioned symptoms:

  1. Rapid heart rate
  2. Immediate shortness of breathe
  3. Cough, occasionally with bloody mucus
  4. Sharp pain in the chest which tends to get worse with deep breathing

Steps to Reduce the Risk of DVT

There are numerous small steps that can help reduce the likelihood of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Please make a note of the following tips:

  1. Speak to your doctor about the need for blood-thinners
  2. Consult your doctor about compression stockings and their recommended usage
  3. Avoid staying in the same posture for longer durations at a stretch
  4. Maintain a BMI between 25 to 30, lose weight if you are overweight or obese
  5. Make an exercise routine or go for a walk every day to stay active and boost blood circulation
  6. Wear comfortable clothes, avoid wearing anything that is too tight
  7. Drink a lot of water, especially when you are travelling
  8. Quit smoking
  9. If you are about to take hormonal medicines whether for birth control or hormone replacement therapy, always speak to your doctor about the risk of clotting
  • Ensure to always take measures for self-care to prevent diabetes, blood pressure, heart failure, or other health issues.

Tips to Prevent Travel-Related DVT

Although travel-related DVT is rare in healthy people but taking precautions is always good.

  1. While undertaking long journeys in plane, train, bus, or car, ensure to get up and move around once every hour.
  2. If you cannot move around, remember to perform heel-toe exercises and circle your feet.
  3. Ensure to take breaks every 2 hours if you are driving the car for journeys longer than 4 hours
  4. Do not take sleeping pills
  5. Do not consume alcohol during long flights
  6. Wearing compression stockings can also help prevent DVT but it is recommended to speak to your doctor before travelling. He will also help you choose the right size and prescribe the desired usage.
  7. If you have had DVT in the past and have been prescribed blood thinners along with other medications, there probably isn’t any risk of another DVT incident during your journey. You must, however, cross-check with your doctor to travel stress-free.

If you have a family history of DVT or have yourself suffered from blood clots in the past, it is wise to take all necessary precautionary steps to prevent new blood clot formation that may lead to DVT or pulmonary embolism. Always maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious diet, and consume your meals on time, maintain optimal levels of physical activity, and consult your doctor for any unusual symptoms that you may notice.

For a medical check-up, diagnosis, and treatment of any venous disorders such as varicose veins, spider veins, blood clots, DVT, venous ulcers, or chronic venous insufficiency, book a consultation with the distinguished interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre for a painless and minimally invasive treatment.

At Avis Vascular Centre, we have the latest medical equipment and a highly professional team of doctors who not only ensure the best treatment but also promise the highest levels of patient satisfaction. You are assured of zero downtime and quick recovery in the endovenous laser treatment. Schedule your appointment today!

Sclerotherapy vs Endovenous Laser Treatment
admin Diagnosis & Treatments

Sclerotherapy versus Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Irrespective of the patient age and severity of the venous disorder, varicose veins must be treated in order to prevent other health complications that may arise due to excessive pooling of blood in the veins of the legs and the feet. Timely treatment of varicose veins will not only ensure that blood flows seamlessly in the desired direction but will also offer quick relief from all symptoms such as pain, itching, swelling, and discomfort.

While considering the numerous available treatment options for varicose veins, you are probable to have a tough time choosing one between Sclerotherapy and Laser Therapy. This is primarily because both these treatment forms are fairly popular and highly effective. These are known to have worked wonders for patients with varying degrees of symptoms of varicose veins.

If you are wondering which treatment process to opt for, you have come to the right place. In this blog today, we will explain Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Laser Treatment procedures in detail. We will also discuss their benefits to help you make an informed and confident decision about the treatment procedure for your varicose veins. Stay with us till the end to learn about the best way to get rid of varicose veins.

What is Sclerotherapy?

For many years before the discovery of laser treatment, sclerotherapy has been a popular choice and the go-to treatment for venous disorders such as varicose veins, especially spider veins.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment procedure where the sclerosant (in liquid or foam) is injected into the damaged veins. This causes scarring on the inner lining of the blood vessels and results in clotting that prevents blood to flow through these veins.

As a result, this kills the affected veins and the body utilizes other healthier veins to transfer blood back to the heart. In due course of time, these veins are reabsorbed in the body and eventually fade away.

To achieve the best results, the medical practitioner generally asks the patient to elevate the legs before the procedure. This step ensures that all blood drains out from the damaged veins. The patient is also advised to wear compression stockings for a few days after the treatment as that helps to apply the desired pressure and helps prevent blood from flowing into the treated vein until it dies away.

Although this procedure is usually completed in under 30 minutes, it generally takes a few weeks to a few months for the patients to see satisfactory results and witness relief from symptoms of varicose veins.

This treatment is recommended for varicose veins on the legs and the hands and can be used along with other treatment procedures. Although it is still a trusted procedure and an effective treatment choice for small-sized varicose veins, in few critical cases, depending upon the number and size of the damaged veins, the doctor may opt to use a thicker sclerosant and suggest the patient undergo a series of sclerotherapy sessions to treat all affected veins.

What are the benefits of Endovenous Laser Treatment?

The sclerotherapy procedure requires minimal preparation from the patient. You are advised to avoid shaving or applying any lotion on the legs a day before the treatment. Ensure to wear a pair of loose bottoms like pants or joggers and visit the doctor for the procedure.

It is a relatively safer procedure as compared to vein litigation or vein stripping surgical procedures. There are negligible chances of any severe side-effects. Mild discomfort, if any, lasts for no longer than 30 minutes. At times, a few patients may witness slight pain when the sclerosant is injected but this usually goes away in some time.

There may also be slight cramping accompanied by a burning sensation in the treated area for a few minutes. Rare complications include allergic reactions to the sclerosant chemical, air bubble, blood clot, and inflammation.

What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

Endovenous laser treatment is a non-surgical procedure to treat venous insufficiency of the superficial veins which is the leading cause of varicose veins and related venous disorders in a large number of people.

This painless and minimally-invasive laser treatment has been the most trusted treatment procedure since the last decade. It is the most appropriate treatment for large varicose veins. Doctors can treat numerous varicose veins in a single session.

A thin laser fibre (less than 1mm in diameter) is inserted in the affected vein with the help of a catheter. An interventional radiologist uses a live duplex ultrasound scan to guide the laser fibre to the precise location. Laser energy is then emitted to heat the area and close off the affected vein.

This vein is no longer able to carry blood and the body thus redirects the blood flow to neighbouring healthier veins. This procedure causes no damage to the surrounding tissues or skin. The laser-treated vein gets reabsorbed in the body in due course of time.

It is a quick procedure and takes under 15 minutes. Usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the doctor’s clinic itself, the patient requires local anaesthesia only. There is no need for the patient to stay overnight at the clinic. He/she can go back home right after the treatment and resume normal activities.

What are the advantages of the Endovenous Laser Treatment Process?

The endovenous laser treatment is not only best suited for varicose veins but also most patients complaining of spider veins. Following are some benefits of opting for laser treatment as opposed to other surgical treatment options:

  1. Endovenous laser treatment has a high success rate
  2. It is a quick and painless procedure
  3. The patient does not require general anaesthesia
  4. It is a non-surgical and thus, minimally invasive treatment
  5. There is no risk of scarring
  6. You can resume normal activities right after the treatment is complete (you must, however, avoid strenuous exercises).
  7. Most patients have confirmed about experiencing instant relief from all varicose veins symptoms
  8. Comparatively, the endovenous laser treatment has fewer side-effects.
    1. A few patients may have a burning sensation during the process but that generally goes away in a few hours
    2. Darker skin tone patients may witness slight skin colour change

There are negligible chances of blood clotting or nerve damage

Why choose Endovenous Laser Treatment over Sclerotherapy?

Although both these treatment options for varicose veins are effective, there are a few benefits of endovenous laser treatment over sclerotherapy. Let us understand them below:

  1. Sclerotherapy is not suitable for spider veins as they are too small to be injected with a sclerosant
  2. Laser therapy is ideal for patients who are allergic to the sclerosant
  3. Sclerotherapy does not offer instant relief from varicose vein symptoms but endovenous laser treatment quickly eases off the pain, itching, swelling, irritation, and discomfort in the damaged area.
  4. Sclerotherapy may lead to air bubbles and blood clots but there are negligible chances of any major side-effects in laser procedure
  5. The endovenous laser process can treat all varicose veins in a single session while the same patient may have to undergo numerous sclerotherapy sessions for complete relief from varicose veins.

Conclusion

Endovenous laser treatment is the newest and the most effective procedure for the cure of varicose veins. Irrespective of the severity of the condition and the patient’s age, most people can be successfully treated in a single session.

As opposed to most other surgical treatment procedures for venous disorders, the endovenous laser treatment does not require general anaesthesia and gives instant relief from chronic pain and discomfort in the affected area.

If you are looking for a painless, minimally-invasive, and quick but genuine treatment of your varicose veins, get in touch with the vascular specialists at Avis Vascular Centre. With a large number of experienced healthcare practitioners headed by the trained vascular surgeon and qualified interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala, Avis Vascular Centre has the most advanced medical equipment and the latest laser technology for all leading venous disorders such as varicose veins and spider veins.

Do not hesitate, schedule an appointment with the best interventional radiologist of Indian, Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Misconceptions about Varicose Veins
admin FAQS & Myths

A Look at the Common Misconceptions Surrounding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are not uncommon. Every 1 in 4 adults suffers from varicose veins at some point in their lifetime. Awareness about the symptoms of varicose veins can lead to timely diagnosis and effective treatment, thus preventing a multitude of other venous disorders that have a high probability of occurrence in cases where the treatment for varicose veins is delayed.

In this blog today, we shall be addressing some of the most common misconceptions about varicose veins. We will burst all myths and share some relevant facts, stay with us till the end.

  1. Varicose veins are the same as spider veins – Although both varicose veins and spider veins are venous disorders that occur due to faulty valves of the veins and restrict the movement of the deoxygenated blood back to the heart, these are not the synonyms for the same medical condition.

    Spider veins appear in the form of web-like structures and may occur anywhere on the body including the face and the chest. Varicose veins usually form on the legs and result in bluish-purple swollen veins that ache and cause discomfort. Spider veins are much less likely to result in any serious complication but varicose veins must be treated to prevent critical venous disorders.

  2. Varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue – Varicose veins are ugly. They are not a pleasant sight but are definitely more than just a cosmetic annoyance. Varicose veins signal towards an underlying issue in the movement of the deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the legs.

    Resulting in pooling of blood which eventually causes extreme swelling, irritation, pain, and discomfort, varicose veins spoil the quality of life and may even lead to other venous disorders such as active venous ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), and the life-threatening disease pulmonary-embolism.

  3. Varicose veins cannot be prevented – In a few cases, varicose veins are genetic and may occur due to the patient’s personal or family history of blood clots, varicose veins, or DVT. But in most cases, varicose veins occur to people who are overweight, consume junk food with high-fat percentage, do not have an exercise routine, have a sedentary lifestyle or a job that requires them to stand or sit in the same position for extended durations.

    Patients who are aware of their family history of venous disorders can prevent varicose veins by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, giving up on coffee, alcohol, and smoking, performing mild to moderate exercise every day, ensuring to change your posture once a while, and taking care of your overall health.

  4. Varicose veins do not affect the young – Most people assume that varicose veins only affects the elderly, but this is not true. Although the aged people are more probable of suffering from varicose veins, it can occur to the people of any age group, especially to those who do not perform any physical activity.

    Many young men and women have already been reported to be suffering from varicose veins. You can reduce the likelihood of varicose veins by performing one or the other form of exercise that is known to regulate the blood flow and prevent its pooling.

  5. Varicose veins are nothing to worry about – Varicose veins are not a medical emergency but can turn into one if you ignore the symptoms and delay the medical check-up or treatment. In the beginning, varicose veins may not even have severe symptoms but these do get worse with time.

    Delay or a total lack of treatment can exaggerate the symptoms. Blood pooling may make the affected area to swell and ache. The symptoms may include itching, enlarged veins bulging out from the skin surface, and discomfort. With time, these symptoms tend to get worse and you may develop ulcers or open sores around the ankle. Blood pooling can even lead to blood clots in the deep veins which can travel to other body parts and affect the heart, brain, and lungs.

  6. Pregnancy causes varicose veins – Pregnancy is not a cause of varicose veins but the hormonal changes, weight gain, and increased blood volume before childbirth may hinder the movement of blood from the legs to the heart.

    A few women develop varicose veins during pregnancy but these are temporary and tend to go away in 3 to 4 months after delivery. However, if you notice them getting worse after childbirth, do not delay seeking medical advice from a venous expert.

  7. Varicose veins require surgical treatment – This was true until a few years ago when surgical procedures like vein litigation and sclerotherapy were the only feasible methods to remove varicose veins. But today, interventional radiologists are efficiently able to close off the affected veins in a minimal and painless laser procedure.

    The endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins is a quick procedure with zero downtime. This process does not require general anaesthesia and can successfully treat all varicose veins in a single sitting. The laser treatment is popular for being the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar method that encourages the patient to resume everyday activities from the very next day of the treatment.

    It is performed under the influence of local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The patient need not get admitted or take many leaves from the job. Performed with accurate monitoring from a duplex ultrasound scan, a thin catheter along with a laser fibre is inserted into the affected area. This laser fibre helps close off the damaged veins and the body re-routes the blood to the neighbouring veins.

If you are eager to get your varicose veins treated in a painless and cost-effective non-surgical method, book an appointment with Avis Vascular Centre. It is a renowned medical institute with world-class amenities and qualified venous experts. Led by the distinguished vascular surgeon and experienced interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala, Avis Vascular Centre is your one-stop medical institution for top-rated treatment of varicose veins and related venous disorders.

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Its Health Complications
admin Vascular Diseases

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Its Health Complications

What is DVT?

Deep Vein Thrombosis, abbreviated as DVT and also referred to as venous embolism, thrombophlebitis, or phlebothrombosis is a medical condition where blood clots (thrombus) develop in the deep veins of the legs.

DVT occurs as a result of blood pooling in the veins and the neighbouring tissues which act as a trigger for the blood clotting mechanism. Although DVT can occur in the veins of other body parts as well, these have been commonly observed in the lower legs, usually between the ankle and upper calf.

Blood clots in the deep vein thrombosis condition may partially or completely hinder the blood flow. These may also travel deep within the veins of the pelvis, arms, heart, brain, lungs, etc and lead to life-threatening medical conditions.

Both Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) are types of thrombophlebitis but SVT is less dangerous as blood clots are formed in the superficial veins and not the deep veins. As opposed to SVT which is not related to any serious complications, DVT requires immediate medical attention or can lead to death.

What causes DVT?

The most common cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis is inactivity. The lesser you move, the poorer is your blood circulation and this increases the chances of blood clotting by multi-fold.

Blood clots often develop in extended periods of inactivity. If you sit for long periods at your office desk or undertake elongated travel trips in a flight or car, or frequently binge-watch movies or web series, you are at a higher risk of developing clumps or blood clots in your legs.

People who are bedridden, paralyzed, or confined to a wheelchair are also highly likely to develop blood clots due to their inability to move their legs.

At times, any accident or surgery that causes damage to blood vessels may also lead to blood clots. Patients who have had orthopaedic surgery, pelvic surgery or abdominal surgery have also been reported to be suffering from DVT. In some cases, DVT has been diagnosed to be genetic or because of cancer.

How to diagnose DVT?

DVT is considered dangerous because it is a silent medical condition and difficult to diagnose by external examination. In most cases, especially when the blood clot is too small in size, there are no visible symptoms. DVT progresses too fast, thus making it even more difficult for the patient to identify the symptoms.

The most prominent signs of DVT are swelling, pain, and redness in the affected area. There may also be a prickly sensation in the legs. These symptoms are usually felt in a single leg.

The damaged area may feel warm and tender, it may also ache more when touched or pressed. The patient may suffer from shortness of breath accompanied by extreme pain that worsens after walking or standing.

As the visible symptoms develop only in about 50% of patients, it is wise for patients with a family history of blood clots to monitor their situation and keep a close eye on the symptoms, if any.

Is DVT a serious condition?

DVT is a very serious medical condition and often leads to the post-thrombotic syndrome which causes irreversible damage to the veins and the leg. As many as 25% of DVT patients have been reported to have suffered from permanent damage to their legs due to blood clotting.

Blood clots in the deep veins can grow bigger, break free, and travel through the bloodstream to other body parts such as the heart, brain, etc. Thus, DVT can also turn out to be fatal for a few patients.

As the deoxygenated blood from the veins is returning to the lungs for oxygenation, blood clots in the deep veins may be pushed to the lungs and can result in pulmonary embolism where the blood supply to the lungs is partially or fully restricted. This medical condition can lead to death.

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by chest pain that becomes worse with coughing or deep breathing, dizziness or fainting, increased pulse rate, and unexplained shortness of breath. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you must immediately rush to the nearest hospital.

How to reduce in-flight risk of DVT?

The risk of developing a blood clot increases substantially during a long flight. This is because there is limited leg space and your legs usually remain in a cramped position for an extended duration. Inactivity in a flight restricts the blood flow and thus increases the likelihood of DVT.

Whenever in a flight, you must move your legs as frequently as feasible. Always opt for an aisle seat as that has a little extra leg space and allows you to get up and walk around the cabin as many times as you want. You can also stretch your legs once a while.

You must also try and stand occasionally to flex your leg muscles and improve the blood circulation in the leg veins. If for some reason you are unable to get up, raise and lower your heels and keep your toes on the floor to exercise your calf muscles.

Always wear loose-fitting clothes and keep your legs uncrossed during your flight. You can also buy ergonomic devices that stimulate blood flow when body movement is not feasible. Those who have already been diagnosed with a venous disorder must use compression stockings to improve blood flow during long flights or car rides.

How to prevent DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis can be easily prevented by being physically active. By performing moderate exercises every day or going for a brisk walk, you can maintain good blood circulation and that can help in preventing blood clots.

Getting up from your office desk once every hour or so will also help the blood to constantly pump through the body. If at all you are unable to get up, keeping legs elevated will also improve the blood flow.

You must give up on caffeine and alcohol and instead consume plenty of fluids. Keep your blood pressure under control. Also, consult your medical practitioner about the suggested use of compression stockings and any blood-thinning drugs that will help regulate your blood flow.

Always eat clean and maintain a healthy weight. Pickup an outdoor sport and team with your friends and/or family for an everyday evening session. Walk down the road instead of taking a cab and always prefer the staircase instead of the escalator or the lift. These are small steps but make a huge difference to your overall health.

How to treat DVT?

As opposed to the ancient times when surgical procedures were the only feasible way to treat varicose veins and other venous disorders like DVT, today there are available minimally invasive and painless procedures that efficiently remove the deep vein thrombus and offer instant relief from symptoms like swelling and pain.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre specializes in the endovenous laser treatment which is performed as an outpatient procedure under the guidance of a doppler ultrasound scan. Enjoying a high success rate and a negligible rate of recurrence, this procedure is a highly efficient and safe treatment for a large variety of venous disorders.

If you have a family history of deep vein clots or have visible symptoms of DVT, do not hesitate or delay the treatment as it can lead to other medical complications. At Avis Vascular Centre, we treat 45000+ patients every year and have huge experience in curing even the most critical cases.

We offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission and have partnered with all major insurance agencies of India to offer easy Mediclaim assistance to our patients. Even if you reside outside of Hyderabad, our outstation patient care team can help you with your travel and accommodation bookings and thus ease your procedure.

Get treated by distinguished interventional radiologists at Avis Vascular Centre, book your consultation today!

4 Dangers Associated With Varicose Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

4 Dangers Associated With Varicose Veins

Most of us wrongly believe varicose veins to just be a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins, however, refer to a medical condition where malfunctioning valves of certain veins restrict the blood flow back to the heart and result in the undesired pooling of blood.

Characterized by swelling in the damaged area, pain, itching, and a feeling of heaviness, varicose veins do not only affect the elderly but are becoming increasingly popular in young adults as well.

Visible as swollen and enlarged bluish-purple veins, varicose veins can most often be seen as bulging out from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are known to lead to other medical complications in cases where the treatment is delayed. Let us learn more about the dangers of varicose veins:

  1. Blood Clots – These are fairly common for all varicose veins patients. Although blood clots in the superficial veins do not pose a serious threat to life, blood clots in the deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT) can travel to other parts of the body such as the heart, brain, and even to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism which is a fatal medical condition.

    Blood clots can also lead to the health disorder called thrombophlebitis where the blood clots block one or more veins, usually in the legs. The affected area feels warm. The veins are painful and turn red in colour.

  2. Leg Ulcers – Varicose veins cause excessive swelling and hyperpigmentation where the skin around the affected area turns darker than the surrounding area. At this time, you will begin to notice open sores on the skin surface of the legs and these are commonly known as ulcers.

    The ulcers usually develop on the inner leg slightly above the ankle and are termed as the last stage of the venous disorder. Lack in treatment can cause chronic ulceration when while you try to heal one ulcer, another ulcer forms up at a different location on your legs.

  3. Bleeding – As varicose veins are usually the superficial veins, they are situated right under the surface of the skin. Even a small cut on the skin or a minor injury can cause excessive bleeding. Also, because the varicose veins result in the pooling of blood in the affected area, it can become very difficult to stop bleeding and there are high chances of it resulting in heavy blood loss!
  4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) – When blood remains pooled in the varicose veins and the surrounding tissues, the blood pressure in the affected area rises and stays elevated for longer periods. This leads to the medical conditioned known as CVI.

    Chronic venous insufficiency is common for people who have blood clots in the deep veins and suffer from DVT. The skin around the affected area becomes to look leathery. It looks flaky and there is a lot of itching. CVI can further lead to venous eczema and venous stasis ulcers.

Home Remedies

Varicose veins have been classified as a lifestyle disorder. There are certain precautionary steps that you can take to improve your lifestyle and thus decrease the chances of occurrence of varicose veins and also reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a nutritious diet that is low in fats and sugars
  • Make an exercise routine
  • Remain active throughout the day
  • Avoid sitting or standing for too long at a stretch
  • Use pillows to elevate your legs above the level of your heart while lying down on a bed
  • Wear compression stockings to improve the blood flow in your legs and prevent pooling of blood
  • Keep exercising your legs and ankles during long flights or car journeys

Treatment

Opposed to ancient times, today the varicose veins can be easily and efficiently treated by the painless and minimally invasive laser treatment process. In the endovenous laser ablation technique, the doctor makes a small incision in your skin and inserts a laser fiber along with a catheter to the damaged area.

The affected veins are then closed off and the body automatically re-routes the blood to the other neighbouring healthy veins. This procedure is performed with local anaesthesia and monitored with the help of a duplex ultrasound scan. It is a 100% safe procedure and does not lead to any major side-effects.

The endovenous laser treatment is a comparatively cost-effective and fairly quick procedure as compared to the surgical procedures and radio-frequency ablation techniques. Performed commonly as an outpatient procedure at the doctor’s clinic, it allows the patient to go back home on the same day and resume everyday work routine from the next day itself. The laser treatment for varicose veins is popular for being the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment.

Conclusion

At Avis Vascular Centre, our all treatment procedures are USFDA approved. We strictly adhere to the protocols of the American College of Phlebology and ensure that all patients have a convenient and satisfactory medical experience.

We offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission along with free duplex scan facility to all deserving patients with 100% assistance for Mediclaim approvals from all leading national insurance providers.

We treat over 40000+ patients every year and have a cent percent success rate. We ensure that the chances of recurrence of varicose veins are reduced to a negligible minimum. We have an array of satisfied patients who speak highly of our professionalism and medical care.

Our doctor panel is headed by the extremely qualified and supremely talented Dr. Rajah V Koppala who has 24+ years of experience as an interventional radiologist. Having successfully cured patients with the worst cases of varicose veins, he is the best medical care practitioner for varicose veins not just in Hyderabad but in Telangana as well as all of India.

We are eager to make India, a nation free of venous disorders. If you want to know more about our treatment services or are eager to get your medical check-up for varicose veins done from Dr. Rajah V Koppala, schedule a consultation at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Varicose Veins versus Spider Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

Varicose Veins versus Spider Veins

What are varicose veins? How do we get spider veins? Are varicose veins any different from spider veins? These are the most common questions that a majority of the people have when they are experiencing what they think might be varicose veins or spider veins.

Varicose veins and spider veins are both similar vascular disorders. However, when we pay close attention, there are prominent differences in the symptoms and treatment of both these medical conditions.

Let us understand the similarities and differences in varicose veins and spider veins in the blog today.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the swollen, enlarged, and twisted veins that turn bluish-purple in colour. These abnormal and dilated veins are commonly found on the legs and are clearly visible to the naked eye.

Varicose veins can be easily felt right under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins cause a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the legs. The patient also feels itching and irritation on the damaged area accompanied by a burning, throbbing or tingling sensation.

Varicose veins, when left untreated, can lead to severe health issues like blood clots, DVT, and active venous ulcers. It is vital to get the varicose veins treated to prevent them from worsening and for improving the look and feel of your legs.

What are spider veins?

Comparatively smaller in size than varicose veins, spider veins are red, purple, and blue blood vessels that are visible on the skin of the legs, chest, and face in the form of branches or spider web like structure.

These veins are tiny, mostly less than 1mm in diameter and visible just below the surface of the skin. Spider veins are usually painless and do not cause swelling in the affected area. Spider veins generally do not lead to any other critical health problems.

Spider veins may be caused due to the faulty one-way valves or may occur due to chronic venous insufficiency. A patient may have both varicose veins and spider veins at the same time but not all spider veins turn

What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

Both these are vascular disorders that occur due to malfunctioning valves of the veins that restrict the blood from flowing back to the heart and instead result in the pooling of the blood in the veins and the surrounding tissues.

This causes additional pressure on the veins and makes them enlarged and bulging out from the surface of the skin. The below-mentioned factors are the leading risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins:

  1. Hereditary
  2. Obesity
  3. Lack of physical exercise
  4. Use of birth control pills
  5. History of blood clots
  6. Hormonal replacement after menopause
  7. Hormonal influence during pregnancy, puberty, menopause
  8. Occupations that require extended hours of standing or sitting in the same position (nurses, teachers, factory workers, hair stylists, etc)
  9. Conditions that increase the pressure in the abdomen area (tumours, constipation, certain garments, etc)
  • Any previous vein surgery
  • Trauma or injury to the leg
  • Exposure to UV rays

Similarities between varicose veins and spider veins

  1. Varicose veins and spider veins are very common. As many as 50% of people over 50 years of age suffer from varicose veins.
  2. Both these medical conditions are hereditary disorders. If anyone in your family has had varicose veins or spider veins, it is not uncommon for you to also have them.
  3. Spider veins, as well as varicose veins, are related to body weight. Obese people have a higher tendency of suffering from one or both of these venous disorders
  4. Spider veins and varicose veins are related to the age as older people more are more likely to suffer from them
  5. Both these are also related to the gender as a large number of women have been reported to suffer from varicose veins and spider veins as opposed to their male counterparts

Differences between varicose veins and spider veins

  1. Varicose veins usually occur on the legs while spider veins can occur on the legs, face, and chest also
  2. Spider veins are oftentimes just a cosmetic issue but varicose veins deteriorate the quality of the life and hinder with the everyday activities
  3. Varicose vein symptoms are much worse and lead to extreme swelling, pain, itching, and discomfort in the legs
  4. Spider veins hardly result in any extreme condition while varicose veins always have a high chance of getting worse in cases when the treatment is delayed
  5. A few women may develop varicose veins during pregnancy which may go away on its own in about 3 months after delivery. Spider veins have no link to pregnancy.

Treatment for spider veins may only be needed for cosmetic purposes but is it essential to get varicose veins treated to prevent further worsening of the condition. Untreated varicose veins can lead to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers, etc.

Today, with enormous advancements in medical science and technology, painless and minimally invasive laser treatment options are available for varicose veins. Referred to as the Endovenous Laser Treatment, it is a quick procedure and has proven to deliver successful results for even the most critical cases.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and extensively trained interventional radiologist with over 24 years of experience. He has successfully treated over 12000 patients, not only from India, but also from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Middle East, Europe, and America.

At Avis Hospitals, Dr. Rajah V Koppala only employs the USFDA approved treatment procedure for varicose veins. This endovenous laser ablation technique is suitable for people of all age groups and has a success rate of 95% with zero downtime.

Avis Hospitals offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission and also offer free colour doppler examination for all patients. Avis Hospitals also offers round the clock services for outstation patients along with 100% assistance for Mediclaim requests as well. We are your one-stop medical institution for the most genuine treatment of varicose veins. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals today!

Six Things to Know About Varicose Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

Six Things to Know About Varicose Veins

Six Things to Know About Varicose Veins

In India, as many as 20% of the adults suffer from varicose veins. Although more prevalent in adults, especially women who are over 50 years of age, numerous cases of varicose veins have already been reported in youngsters as well.

For a few patients, varicose veins may just only be an ugly sight, but for most others, these turn out to be truly painful and extremely discomforting. Let us learn more about varicose veins below:

  1. All leg veins are not the same

    Veins are vascular structures that are responsible for carrying the used and deoxygenated blood from all different body parts back to the heart. When valves of certain veins deteriorate and do not promote, rather hinder, the blood flow back to the heart, it causes pooling of blood and results in varicose veins.

    Veins lose their elasticity and become dilated thus leading to swollen and painful veins that are often seen bulging out from the skin surface of the legs. These are clearly visible to the naked eye and are accompanied by irritation and itching in the damaged area.

    Varicose veins are largely different from spider veins. Spider veins are smaller and tubular blood vessels that are usually seen in treelike or spiderweb like form on the legs. Spider veins do not have severe symptoms and do not usually lead to any medical complications.

  2. Some symptoms should not be ignored

    If your varicose veins are not causing any discomfort or pain, you may not necessarily get them treated immediately, but there are a few symptoms which must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible. Please make a note of them below:

    1. Itchy and dry skin around the affected area
    2. Redness on the damaged skin surface
    3. Hyperpigmentation on the lower leg and/or ankle
    4. Thickening and/or hardening of the skin of the affected area
    5. Skin ulcer that is an open sore and is not caused by an injury. It may or may not have pus fluid drainage.

All these are severe symptoms of varicose veins and you must seek medical care and treatment in a priority. In a few cases, varicose veins also develop due to Deep Vein Thrombosis (clots in the deep rooted veins) that may not have any symptoms for some people or may occur with severe leg pain and swelling in some other cases.

Another prominent symptom in cases of DVT is the pain in the calf of one leg that is usually accompanied by cramps and soreness. Your legs may also feel warm when you touch them. If you notice one or more of the above mentioned symptoms, you must not delay visiting a vascular expert.

  1. You will need an ultrasound

    If you have any early symptoms of varicose veins or doubt that you might be suffering from a venous disorder, you must visit a vascular expert and get an ultrasound done. The Doppler ultrasound scan will help the medical practitioner analyse and evaluate your condition and its severity.

    With the help of the doppler ultrasound scan, the vascular expert will be able to measure the amount of blood flow in your leg veins. These help the doctor to examine any abnormalities that may require treatment.


After the ultrasound scan reports, the vascular expert will suggest the best treatment option to cure the underlying medical condition.
The doctor will advise whether the affected veins can be treated by the latest laser ablation procedure or will necessarily require surgery.

  1. Painless treatment option is available

    About 15 years ago, the only way to treat varicose veins was a surgery where the patient was given general anaesthesia and operated in an operation theatre. The surgical procedures are quite painful and require massive post-operative care. The patient is usually advised complete bed rest after the surgery.

    With humungous advancements in medical technology, varicose veins can be effectively treated by the painless and minimally invasive laser technique. This process is quick and requires only local anaesthesia. Usually performed in the doctor’s office itself, there is minimal post-operative care and the patient can go back home on the very same day.

  2. Diet and exercise can help

    As we age, most of us will have ugly looking, prominently visible, abnormal, and enlarged veins on our legs and feet. Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and a job that requires you to sit or stand for longer durations at a stretch are the major risk factors of varicose veins.

    There is little that we can do to prevent venous disorders and diet and exercise play a major role in it. A nutritional diet and a moderate exercise routine may not be able to prevent varicose veins but can definitely assist in delaying its onset and reducing the probability of varicose veins turning into a critical condition.

  3. Varicose veins caused due to pregnancy may go away on their own

Some women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. The circulating blood volume increases in the woman’s body to take care of the foetus, hormonal changes also occur and cause dilation of the leg veins.

Women who suffer from varicose veins in their pregnancy term must wait for three to six months after delivery. If the varicose vein symptoms still persist, she must schedule an appointment with a vascular expert and seek expert medical assistance.

Varicose veins are not a very serious condition but can turn into a medical emergency if treatment is delayed. If you have visible but painless varicose veins in the lower leg region, immediate treatment may not be required but there are high chances of these varicose veins turning into highly painful and swollen veins in due course of time.

Thus, it is suggested to plan your medical check-up and treatment in a priority. Your search for a trusted and reliable vascular medical institution ends with Avis Hospitals. We have a team of internationally qualified and extensively trained interventional radiologists who specialize in the USFDA approved laser treatment of varicose veins.

The protocols that we follow are approved by the American College of Phlebology. We treat over 4500 patients every year and already have over 12,000 happy and satisfied patients with a whopping success rate of 95%

We also offer complete assistance to outstation patients with 100% price assurance at the time of admission itself. We have tie-ups with all leading insurance agencies of India and assist in quick Mediclaim clearance for one and all.

For the most trusted, reliable and efficient treatment of your varicose veins, schedule an appointment with us today!

Venous Insufficiency Ulcers
admin Vascular Diseases

Venous Insufficiency Ulcers

Due to genetic factors and a poor lifestyle that is characterized by an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, some people develop varicose veins in their legs and feet. The one-way valves of these veins do not function as desired and hinder the flow of the deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

As the blood isn’t efficiently pumped back to the heart, excessive blood remains pooled in the varicose veins and leads to humungous pressure in the affected area. This medical condition is referred to as venous insufficiency.

The added pressure forces the walls of the varicose veins to stretch which causes the protein in the blood cells to reach the subcutaneous tissues. Further, due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients, these tissues eventually break down and result in ulceration.

Chronic venous insufficiency in most cases leads to venous ulcers that are open wounds or sores visible on the surface of the skin on the legs and feet. These require immediate medical assistance and are extremely slow to heal.

Causes

Varicose veins and most other venous disorders can be attributed to genetic reasons apart from a few other conditions. Following are the most prevalent risk factors for venous insufficiency and leg ulcers:

  1. Being female
  2. Old age
  3. Being tall
  4. Varicose veins
  5. History of blood clots in deep veins (DVT)
  6. Family history of venous disorders
  7. Blockage of lymph vessels
  8. Pregnancy
  9. Smoking
  10. Sitting or standing for long durations
  11. Injury to the leg, burns or muscle damage

Early Signs of Venous Insufficiency

Like most other medical conditions, our body gives us numerous hints about venous insufficiency as well. It is vital for us to be aware and keep an eye for the below-mentioned symptoms :

  1. The skin changes in the affected area accompanied by itching. This medical condition is also referred to as Stasis Dermatitis.
  2. The skin may also turn hard and brown or dark red in colour
  3. Pain and swelling in the leg along with a feeling of heaviness
  4. Tingling sensation in the damaged area

Symptoms of Venous Ulcers

If we fail to get ourselves treated after the early signs of venous insufficiency, the condition may worsen and lead to active venous ulcers. Below mentioned are the easiest to recognize symptoms of leg ulceration:

  1. Shallow sore with a red base that may be covered with a yellow tissue
  2. Uneven borders of the sore
  3. Pain in the leg
  4. Surrounding skin turns shiny, tight, warm, and also discoloured
  5. Infected sores may have a bad odour and pus drain from the wound

Wound Care

If you have developed leg ulcers, it is essential for you to take proper care as the open sore may get infected and lead to many other severe medical complications. We have made a to-do list, please make a note of the below tips:

  1. You must keep the wound clean and bandaged to prevent getting infected.
  2. You must change the dressing frequently. Always ensure to clean the wound before doing the dressing.
  3. Dressing and skin around the wound must always be kept dry.
  4. Always keep the skin around the wound moisturized to reduce itching and irritation
  5. Ask your venous expert if you must wear compression stockings above your dressing and/or bandage

Prevention

There are some easy tips and tricks to prevent varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and related disorders of the veins. Simply note down the below points and incorporate them in your day to day life:

  1. Eat healthy food
  2. Exercise everyday
  3. Quit smoking
  4. Blood sugar control for diabetic patients
  5. Plenty of sleep
  6. Regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  7. Weight loss for obese or overweight people

Even if you have already been diagnosed with venous insufficiency, you can still reduce the chances of venous ulcers by following the below tips:

  1. Wear compression stockings as they are known to improve the blood flow in the affected area. They offer relief from the leg pains, help reduce the swelling and also assist with healing.
  2. As frequently as possible, place your feet above the level of your heart. Lie down on the bed and use one or more pillows to lift your feet higher. This will make it easier for the blood to move back to the heart and prevent blood pooling
  3. Ensure to eat a nutritious diet and perform moderate and low impact exercises every day.
  4. Ensure to take the medicines as prescribed by your medical practitioner.

Conclusion

Varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, and other venous disorders have become fairly common due to the sedentary lifestyle of most people in urban cities. Although not serious, all venous medical conditions must be treated in a priority by trusted and reliable vascular specialists only.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a qualified and internationally trained vascular expert who specializes in the minimally invasive and painless laser treatment of varicose veins. At Avis Hospitals, we have the latest equipment and all modern amenities in-house for efficient treatment by the endovenous laser ablation technique.

If you or anyone in your family is suffering from vascular medical conditions, do not delay in scheduling a consultation with the renowned interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals. The laser treatment is suitable for people of all ages and we ensure quick recovery with minimal post-operative care. Book an appointment today!

Lifestyle Changes to overcome Varicose Vein Symptoms
admin Preventions and Tips

Lifestyle Changes to overcome Varicose Vein Symptoms

For most patients who have early signs of varicose veins, small and simple lifestyle changes can make a lot of difference to their leg pain, discomfort, itching in the affected area, and other varicose vein symptoms as well.

There are quite a few conservative options that have always worked quite well for patients who have self-diagnosed their early varicose veins symptoms and taken the necessary precautionary steps to prevent further damage and severity of the medical condition.

Let us discuss some simple and easy to incorporate lifestyle changes that can help you prevent your varicose veins from getting worse:

  1. Change your diet – Excessive body weight causes additional pressure on the legs and feet, and thus restricts the righteous blood flow. Losing weight can work wonders for your varicose veins. You must start choosing healthier food options, consume small meals once every 2 to 3 hours, prefer homemade food, and eat out less often. These are a few simple ways to change your diet and are sure to lead to significant improvement in your overall health.

  2. Exercise more – Gentle and low-impact exercises performed on a daily basis help burn calories and regulate the blood flow, thus easing the varicose veins symptoms. You can begin walking for 15-20 minutes every day, do yoga or some basic stretching at your home or a nearby park. Small lifestyle changes like taking the staircase instead of the escalator or lift are efficient ways to make the body move more often.

  3. Alternate between sitting and standing often – It is a well-known fact that sitting or standing for too long can harm your vein health. You must never remain in the same sitting or standing positions for prolonged durations at a stretch. As frequently as possible, you must switch your postures. Whether you have a desk job, a field job, or are undertaking a long flight, always remember to make a conscious effort to alternate between your positions. Also, try to move your legs and feet every once in a while as it helps improve the blood circulation.

  4. Wear loose-fitting clothes – Wearing tight clothes like skinny jeans or a smaller shoe size can hinder the blood flow in the feet, groin, thighs, and waist. You must choose loose clothes that offer added comfort, greater motion, are good for your vein health, and help improve the blood circulation of the body!

  5. Use compression stockings – Compression stockings are medical stockings that are tight near the ankle and loosen up around the knees and thighs. These support stockings are very helpful in reducing varicose vein pain and swelling. These are available in multiple sizes and you must consult your physician to learn about your exact size and its recommended usage.

All the above lifestyle changes are fairly simple and can be easily incorporated in your everyday routine. These will significantly contribute to the improvement of your vein health and prevent varicose veins from leading to other severe medical conditions like active venous ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, or deep vein thrombosis.

These conventional treatment therapies will help you recover when you have mild pain and discomfort from varicose veins. But if your condition is critical, you must not delay seeking medical assistance from experienced healthcare practitioners as even a slight delay can lead to higher recovery time or irreversible medical complications.

Hidden Dangers If You Don’t Treat Varicose Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

Hidden Dangers If You Don’t Treat Varicose Veins

Most people believe varicose veins to just be a cosmetic issue, but in reality, they are a serious medical complication and pose a severe threat to your life! Not only do they make your legs look ugly but also negatively affect your body’s blood circulation, thus being the sole reason for many venous disorders and other health concerns.

Today, as many as 30% of the people suffer from these bulging and swollen veins that can be felt and seen right under the surface of the skin in the lower region of the legs. Caused when certain leg veins with a faulty valve become incapable of sending the deoxygenated blood back to the heart, these appear as bluish-purple veins and result in pooling of blood.

Varicose veins are a clear sign of some serious underlying health issues that must be addressed in a timely manner. Painful varicose veins must be immediately reported to your doctor as any delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in irreversible health conditions.

Below are the top 6 medical conditions that may crop up due to the lack of treatment of varicose veins:

  1. Leg Swelling – As the pressure builds up in the faulty veins, the blood fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues and causes swelling. Swelling can be felt like a tight sensation in your legs, the socks may begin to leave an impression on your legs, and in severe cases, the swelling can be to an extent that your shoes may not fit your feet anymore. Most times, elevating your legs with the help of a pillow will help reduce the swelling temporarily.


  2. Skin Ulcers – Open sores or wounds that are difficult to heal are called skin ulcers. Swelling in the legs for an extended duration of time can lead to skin colour changes in the affected area. The skin may also turn hard as the swollen tissues hamper the blood flow and restrict the nutrients and oxygen from reaching the involved tissues. Reducing the leg swelling is vital to healing these open sores.


  3. Skin Infection – As the tissues get stretched due to the swelling, the body loses its natural defense mechanism to fight against infections. The bacteria on the skin surface may get into the body and cause a bacterial infection referred to as cellulitis. The infected area becomes red and feels warm. This generally requires antibiotics for treatment. Reducing the swelling is also likely to help in the recovery process.


  4. Bleeding – Right below the surface of the skin, a large amount of blood remains pooled in the varicose veins and the surrounding tissues. If by any chance you get injured and hurt, cut or damage your veins, there is bound to be significantly more bleeding than usual. If the injury is very large, it will probably take you longer than normal to stop the bleeding.


  5. Thrombophlebitis – This refers to an inflammatory process where a blood clot is formed that blocks one or more of your veins, most commonly in the legs. It is highly probable for untreated varicose veins to cause blood clotting. The damaged area becomes very painful, it is warm to touch, and the veins also becomes quite hard.


  6. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – In about 25% cases where people have developed blood clots in their veins, the blood clots are formed in the deeper veins and this condition is referred to as DVT. The biggest risk in DVT is that of the blood clot breaking off and travelling to the lungs as that can result in the life-threatening disease called pulmonary embolism. DVT is a medical emergency and must be treated in a priority.

Varicose veins, whether painful or not, must be treated by a vascular expert to prevent further damage and unforeseen vein health complications. For the treatment of varicose veins, you need not undergo surgery as today, there are available minimally-invasive procedures that are painless and have zero downtime.

Avis Hospitals’ team of vascular specialists and interventional radiologists have expertise in treating the varicose veins with the latest endovenous laser ablation process that is a no-cut, no-scar, and no-stitch procedure. The process requires only local anaesthesia and the patient can go back home the same day to resume work and everyday activities from the next day itself!

If you are eager to know more about the endovenous laser treatment process, get your medical check-up done from experienced doctors, learn about the treatment expenses, and ask your queries regarding the available medical insurance assistance, feel free to schedule an appointment at https://avisvascularcentre.com/

1 2 3 4 5