Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment Prevents Complications, Improves Quality of Life

Today’s CVI treatments are more effective — and less invasive — than ever before.

If you have chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition caused by damaged leg veins, it’s important to seek expert care.

Without treatment from a vein specialist, CVI can worsen and cause serious complications, such as venous ulcers (open sores) and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs).

“The sooner we treat CVI, the better,” explained Hamza Rana, MD, a vascular medicine and vein disease specialist with the Adventist HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute. “With prompt treatment, we can improve symptoms like leg pain and swelling. We can improve the appearance of varicose veins, which are common in people with CVI. And we can keep your condition from progressing to an advanced stage.”

In the past, doctors treated CVI with surgery. They’d use a procedure called vein stripping to remove damaged veins from the legs. Patients would need general anesthesia during the procedure. Afterward, their recovery could be long and painful.

Many newer CVI treatments don’t require general anesthesia or stitches. These minimally invasive procedures are quick (most take less than an hour). They also require minimal downtime. Patients can get back to their regular activities right away.

Today’s treatment options include:

• Endovenous radiofrequency ablation:This procedure uses heat to close damaged veins.
• Endovenous laser ablation: This procedure uses laser technology to seal veins shut.
• Phlebectomy : This procedure is also known as microphlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy. Damaged veins are removed through tiny holes in the skin. These holes are so tiny they heal on their own without stitches.
• Sclerotherapy (or microfoam chemical ablation). A chemical (liquid or foam) is injected into your vein. The vein walls stick together, so blood can’t flow through.
• Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy: This advanced type of sclerotherapy uses ultrasound imaging to find damaged veins that aren’t visible on the skin’s surface. When they are found, they can be treated.
• VenaSeal: A medical adhesive (nontoxic glue) seals problem veins.

“We offer all these procedures at Adventist HealthCare,” said Dr. Rana. “We often combine them with other treatments like lifestyle changes and compression socks. Together, these treatments can greatly improve blood flow in the legs. This is key to preventing complications that could need more difficult treatment."