Venous insufficiency, also known as venous reflux is a prevalent medical complication across the World, especially in India. This medical disorder is characterized by restricted blood circulation in the superficial veins (not so common in the deep veins) and is thus also referred to as superficial venous reflux.
The valves of certain veins in the lower extremities (legs and feet) become weak due to old age and other health factors. The malfunctioning valves do not function as desired and fail to prevent blood from flowing backward while travelling upward to the heart through the veins of the lower body.
Symptoms and Causes
Over time, poor venous circulation results in excessive pooling of blood in the legs and feet. This further leads to swollen and enlarged veins that appear as red, blue or purple lines on the skin surface. The damaged veins not only look ugly but also cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, itching, a feeling of heaviness, extreme pressure, skin discoloration, rashes, frequent throbbing, eczema, and even venous ulcers.
Most people become aware of their venous insufficiency condition due to the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins on their legs and feet. Of the numerous causes of venous insufficiency, obesity, lack of physical activity, standing for long durations at a stretch, and pregnancy are the leading ones.
In severe cases or for people who delay or lack treatment, the chronic superficial venous insufficiency can begin to develop in the deep veins and the condition can further worsen to result in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that refers to the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins.
The blood clot in deep veins can break-free and travel to other parts of the body. DVT can become life-threatening if the blood clot moves to the lungs as it can lead to pulmonary embolism and result in loss of life.
Impact on Life
Although most people choose to opt for treatment of venous insufficiency due to cosmetic reasons, varicose veins can be truly discomforting in one or more of the below mentioned ways :
- Trouble standing or sitting for long durations at a time
- Difficulty in walking due to extreme swelling
- Sleep disturbances due to pain and feeling of heaviness
- Reduced ability to perform everyday routine tasks and normal activities
- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence due to the unpleasant sight of varicose veins
Treatment and Cure
After making a note of the symptoms, doctors inquire about any other health issues and past treatment procedures that the patient may have undergone. As vascular disorders can also be hereditary, doctors also request for details about the family’s medical history.
Healthcare practitioners, especially the vascular experts are usually able to diagnose venous reflux by physical examination but prefer to verify with the diagnosis with the help of diagnostic examination. The duplex ultrasound scan facilitates the doctor to examine the extent of venous insufficiency and helps identify the precise location of the damaged veins.
Below mentioned are the available treatment options for superficial venous reflux:
- Phlebectomy – This process involves making numerous small cuts to remove the varicose veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation – In this minimally invasive process, vascular experts use radiofrequency to treat venous reflux.
- Venaseal – This procedure makes use of the medical glue to close and seal-off the affected veins.
- Sclerotherapy – A fluid is injected into the damaged veins to seal and close them permanently.
- Endovenous laser ablation – This is the most-effective minimally invasive treatment procedure where heat from the laser light is used to close-off the trouble-causing veins.
Conclusion
At Avis Vascular Centre, Dr. Rajah V Koppala helps eliminate the displeasing varicose veins and offers painless treatment for the cure of superficial venous reflux. Dr. Rajah V Koppala specializes in the minimally invasive endovenous laser ablation treatment that immediately alleviates the symptoms and removes all varicose veins in a single session.
As laser ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure, the patients can go back home on the same day. Popular as the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment procedure with zero downtime, patients are able to resume work and perform their everyday tasks from the very next of the treatment. The laser treatment is very effective and highly efficient. It does not have any major side-effects and significantly reduces the chances of recurrence of varicose veins.
Dr. Rajah is an eminent vascular surgeon and a trained interventional radiologist. In his over 25 years long medical career, he has successfully completed 40,000+ procedures. He follows the protocols from the American College of Phlebology and performs only USFDA approved procedures. His top-priority remains to be customer satisfaction and he leaves no stone unturned to ensure a hassle-free medical experience for his patients.
If you have superficial venous insufficiency and feel shy or embarrassed in flaunting your dresses, skirts, shorts, swimming wear or similar types of garments due to the unsightly varicose veins, schedule your appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala for world-class treatment at the most affordable prices. Book now!
