Is Varicose Vein Treatment Permanent?
admin FAQS & Myths

Is Varicose Vein Treatment Permanent?

In India, over 10 million varicose vein cases are reported every year. Varicose vein medical ailment is estimated to affect the legs and feet of nearly 30% of the adult Indians.

Also, most obese people have a tendency to develop one or more varicose veins as they age. Based on verified statistics, women are known to be somewhat more probable of suffering from varicose veins as compared to their male counterparts.

What are Varicose Veins?

In the case of a healthy person, the valves of the veins make the used and de-oxygenated blood flow back to the heart from all body parts. These valves also prevent the blood from staying stagnant at one place or flowing backward in the undesired direction.

But for patients who complain of varicose veins, the valves of the affected veins get damaged and hence restrict the blood flow back to the heart. This disturbs the circulatory system and causes the blood to pool around the impaired veins.

Varicose veins are those swollen and enlarged veins that are often seen bulging out from the skin surface of the legs. These twisted veins are bluish-purple in colour and are truly an ugly sight. The varicose vein patients often complain of pain, itching, burning, and mild cramping in the affected area.

You should never ignore any visible signs of varicose veins. Although not a very serious disorder, varicose veins may not require immediate treatment but genuine medical aid is vital to prevent the condition from getting worse.

In some critical scenarios, the delays in treating the varicose veins can further lead to other several other acute health hazards like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) i.e. clots in the superficial veins, acute Venous Ulcers, and even Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Why do Varicose Veins Re-appear?

By treating the varicose veins, patients not only get relief from the constant pain, and irritation, but also get rid of the unappealing sight of the varicose veins on their legs and feet.

The traditional treatment procedure of vein surgery, where the affected veins were stripped off, is definitely less efficient and has higher chances of making the varicose veins re-appear.

In the new era, with the invention of laser treatments for varicose veins, the swollen varicose veins are accurately identified with the help of the duplex ultrasound procedure and these are then permanently closed. This forces the body to re-route the blood to other neighbouring veins.

Although the advanced laser treatment massively reduces the chances of varicose veins coming back, it does not guarantee a permanent cure. In medical terms, varicose vein is a chronic ailment and the varicose veins may redevelop in the future for the patients who were successfully treated in the past.

A patient who has once had varicose veins always remains at high risk of redeveloping them. It is not usually the same vein, but different veins may get affected by the malfunctioning valves, thus causing the varicose veins to reoccur.

Some people are genetically more probable to develop varicose veins but all patients can reduce their chances of re-growing varicose veins by improving their lifestyle. Doing mild exercises every day, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a BMI (Body Mass Index) score under 25, is known to reduce the risk of varicose veins.

Also, you must avoid sitting or standing for long periods at a stretch as this can cause extreme pressure on your veins and breakdown the valves. In an unfortunate incidence of the varicose veins recurring for you, you can still get them eliminated by the painless endovenous laser treatment.

This laser treatment is minimally invasive and absolutely painless. It leaves no cuts or scar marks on the patient’s body and has quick recovery time. Except for a few critical cases, patients are generally discharged on the same day. They can go back home and resume their daily activities without any difficulties or outside support.

The endovenous laser treatment procedure has very little post-operative care and the patients can even undertake long flights without the fear of DVT or blood clots that may cause a medical emergency. To a few patients, the vascular surgeon may suggest the use of compression stockings for a few days after the laser treatment.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala, MD in Vascular Interventional Radiology, is a distinguished doctor offering his medical services at Avis Hospitals, Hyderabad. With over 24 years of experience and a record of treating 4000+ varicose vein patients every year, Dr. Rajah V Koppala is not only renowned but also trusted for his knowledge and medical practice.

Schedule your appointment for the medical check-up of your varicose veins and its painless endovenous laser treatment today from Dr. Rajah V Koppala today!

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!

You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
admin Vascular Diseases

Everything You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis, abbreviated as DVT, refers to the medical emergency that occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein that is located deep inside the human body. Although the blood clot, which is a solidified clump of blood, can form anywhere inside the body, it is most commonly known to occur in the thighs or the lower leg region.

DVT is a serious condition that may turn fatal in case of delay or absence of immediate medical care. In medical terms, DVT is also referred to as thromboembolism, post-phlebitic syndrome, and post-thrombotic syndrome.

Symptoms of DVT

There are a few prevalent symptoms that you can use to self-diagnose DVT and visit a vascular expert for diagnosis and treatment. Following are the most common DVT symptoms:

  •   Swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot, generally on one side
  •   Severe pain in the affected area of the leg that mostly begins from the calf
  •   Unbearable and unexplained pain in the foot and/or ankle
  •   A section of the skin surface that feels warmer than the surroundings
  •   The skin of the affected area turns pale, reddish, or bluish in color

For patients who develop a blood clot in the upper half of the body, say for instance a blood clot in the arms, they may experience the below mentioned symptoms:

  • Extreme pain in the neck
  • Severe shoulder pain
  • Sudden swelling in the affected arm or the hand
  • Skin color changes to bluish-red
  • Pain that feels to move from the arm to the forearm
  • Weakness in the hand and inability to hold something firmly

Causes of DVT

The main cause of DVT is a blood clot in the bloodstream that restricts the desired blood circulation in the body. Blood clotting can occur due to one or more of the reasons detailed below:

  • Injury – An accident or injury that causes damage to the walls of a blood vessel or narrows it down thus leading to poor blood circulation. This can eventually lead to blood clots and DVT.
  • Surgery – At times, one or more blood vessel may get damaged during surgery and this can lead to the formation of a blood clot. For a few patients, suggested bed rest after surgery also leads to DVT.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle – Poor mobility or a state of inactivity for extended time durations can slow down the blood flow in the lower regions of the leg and this can cause deep vein blood clots.
  • Side-Effects of Medicines – Certain medications are known to increase the probability of blood clotting.

Risk Factors of DVT

Although people over 50 years of age are more probable to suffer from DVT, DVT can occur to people at any age. Any factors that hinder the blood flow and restrict the ideal blood circulation are high-risk factors of DVT. Let us address a few of them below:

  1. Any injury that damages the veins, like for instance a bone fracture
  2. Being overweight and/or obese as excessive body weight leads to additional pressure on the veins in the legs
  3. Hereditary blood clotting disorders
  4. Having a family history of blood clots or DVT
  5. Having a catheter placed inside a vein
  6. Consuming birth control pills
  7. Undergoing a hormone therapy
  8. Remaining seated during long flights, car journey, or at work
  9. Smoking
  10. Cancer
  11. Inflammatory bowel disease
  12. Heart failure as it makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood
  13. Varicose Veins

Treatment for DVT

The most basic form of treatment is blood thinning oral medications. These medicines restrict the blood from clotting and thus reduce the chances of new blood clot formations.

In a few cases of DVT, the doctor might advise the patient to get intravenous thrombolytic drugs that break up the existing blood clots. Wearing compression stockings also helps reduce the swelling and probability of developing new blood clots by regulating the blood flow.

Surgical procedures to remove a DVT clot from your arms or legs are suggested when the clot is too big and is causing serious medical issues like tissue damage, etc. In the surgical process, the vascular expert uses ultrasound scans to accurately locate the clot and then removes it by making an incision into the blood vessel.

Conclusion

If you have a family or personal history of blood clots, always be mindful of the above mentioned DVT symptoms. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, consume a nutritious diet, and perform basic physical activities every day.

In case of an early sign of DVT, schedule a consultation with a vascular expert. Avis Hospitals has a team of exceptionally trained and truly experienced vascular interventional radiologists at its Hyderabad as well as Bangalore branch. Schedule an appointment today!

Keep Your Veins Safe from Deep Vein Thrombosis When You Travel
admin Preventions and Tips

Keep Your Veins Safe from Deep Vein Thrombosis While Travel

Is the fear of blood clots getting in the way of your travel plans?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common cause of hospitalization for patients over 60 years of age. A health scare can completely ruin your vacation and you surely do not want that. If you suffer from DVT or have a past history of blood clots in your leg and feet veins, it is best to take all precautions to avoid an emergency situation while travelling.

Introduction – What is DVT?

DVT is the medical term for what is commonly known as a blood clot. These blood clots occur deep inside the large veins that are responsible for carrying the blood from the legs and feet back to the heart.

These blood clots severely restrict the blood flow and damage the one-way valves in the affected veins. The restricted blood tends to pool in the affected veins which further results in the surrounding tissues being filled with fluids. These tissues become irritated and patients complain of unbearable pain.

This uncomfortable feeling often becomes dangerous when the blood clot travels up the heart and reaches the vessels that feed the lungs. Referred to as “Pulmonary Embolism”, it is a life-threatening disorder that makes it difficult for the lungs to supply oxygen to the bloodstream thus leading to difficulty in breathing.

Pregnant women, people over 60 years of age, overweight and obese people, and those suffering from cancer are commonly affected by DVT. Also, for people, who have lower levels of physical activity and tend to remain immobile for extended durations, a travel expedition can trigger blood clot formation and thus lead to DVT.

How to Prevent DVT?

The good news is that DVT can be prevented. The best cure is to remain mobile at all times. Follow the below-mentioned simple tips and enjoy a hassle-free trip to your favourite destination:

  •       If you have a long flight, the limited leg space in the airplane seat can be suffocating. Ensure you do not keep anything on the floor and have enough space for your legs. Try to get up from your seat and walk up and down the aisle once every hour. You can walk or perform mild exercises in between the connecting flights as well.
  •       If you are travelling long distances via road, it is advisable to get down once every 3-4 hours and stretch your legs. You must also get down if you seem to have got stuck in a heavy traffic jam.
  •       If you are at a place where you can not get up, ensure to exercise while sitting. Move your legs and feet as it will improve the blood circulation in your calves. Flex your ankles in the action you do when you press the car accelerator. This is recommended for 20-30 times in an hour.
  •       Consult your doctor about compression stockings. These are support stockings that are tight near the ankle and lose around the knee and thighs. They have been proven to prevent blood pooling by helping the veins to move the blood from the leg veins up to the heart.
  •       Drink sufficient amounts of water to stay hydrated as that avoids the blood from thickening.
  •       Avoid coffee and alcohol as they dehydrate the body and decrease the blood volume thus increasing the chances of DVT.
  •       You can also ask your doctor for some blood-thinning medicines if you have a medical history of blood clots and are about to undertake an expedition.
  •       Avoid wearing tight clothes around the waist as they are known to restrict the blood flow.
  •       Do not smoke cigarette or consume tobacco.
  •       Do not sit with crossed legs.

Conclusion

DVT is dangerous but can be prevented by being active during travel. No matter the place and time, always find the means to exercise your legs and feet. If you have a previous case of DVT, you are at a greater risk than others, but consulting your doctor before a trip can definitely reduce the risks.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a vascular surgeon and radiologist with 24 years of extensive experience. If you suffer from DVT or just want to be cautious about your health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre for a detailed analysis of your leg and feet vein health.