About this disease
What it is about
The veins transport the blood back to the heart against the force of gravity. Venous valves prevent the blood from flowing back into the periphery. Varicose veins develop when the venous valves no longer close properly and the blood flows back into the superficial leg veins. The veins lose their ability to transport the blood back to the heart.
Types
If the large superficial veins on the legs are affected, we speak of trunk and side branch varicose veins (varicose veins on the trunk veins and side branches on the legs). If minimally dilated skin veins shimmer bluish to purple through the skin, they are cosmetically disturbing spider veins or the somewhat larger, also cosmetically disturbing reticular varicose veins.
Symptoms and consequences
Advanced varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem, but also a medical one, as they can lead to a feeling of tightness in the legs as well as swelling and localized pain. If the varicose veins are not treated, there is a risk of permanent skin change or even open legs (ulcers). Occasionally as a result wound healing is almost impossible, even with minor injuries. Those affected also frequently have to deal with phlebitis (inflammation of the veins).
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
The phlebologist examines the veins with a special ultrasound (duplex sonography) and gets a precise picture of the condition of the superficial and deep veins. During the consultation, the findings are explained and discussed, and the appropriate procedure for treating the varicose veins is determined together.
Treatment
We prefer to treat with minimally invasive methods, in which the varicose veins are closed from the inside and then broken down by the body. Laser and radiofrequency therapy are available to us for this purpose. We treat smaller varicose veins simultaneously with miniphlebectomy or endovenous foam sclerotherapy. If it is not possible to treat in a minimally invasive way, we will operate the varicose veins precisely and gently. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually with a local anesthetic or, if desired, under anesthesia.