Varicose veins.

Bláæðasetrið / Varicose veins

Varicose veinsVaricose veins are veins that have become enlarged and tortuous (twisted). The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards (retrograde flow or reflux). Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart (the calf muscle pump mechanism), against the effects of gravity. When veins become varicose, the leaflets of the valves no longer meet properly, and the valves do not work (valvular incompetence). This allows blood to flow backwards and they enlarge even more. Varicose veins are most common in the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing. Besides being a cosmetic problem, varicose veins can be painful, especially when standing. Severe long-standing varicose veins can lead to leg swelling, venous eczema, skin thickening (lipodermatosclerosis) and ulceration. Life-threatening complications are uncommon, but symptoms of varicose veins may be confused with symptoms caused by deep vein thrombosis, which may be life-threatening.

Non-surgical treatments include sclerotherapy, elastic stockings, elevating the legs, and exercise. The traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping to remove the affected veins. Newer, less invasive treatments which seal the main leaking vein are available. Alternative techniques, such as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser treatment, are available as well. Because most of the blood in the legs is returned by the deep veins, the superficial veins if not functioning, which return only about 10% of the total blood of the legs, can be removed or ablated without serious harm.

Secondary varicose veins are those developing as collateral pathways, typically after stenosis or occlusion of the deep veins, a common sequel of extensive deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Treatment options are usually support stockings, occasionally sclerotherapy, and limited surgery.

Varicose veins are distinguished from reticular veins (blue veins) and telangiectasias (spider veins), which also involve valvular insufficiency, by the size and location of the veins.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins may be without symptoms. Most people however have some symptoms that may be unclear. Fatigue, irritability, pain, swelling and cramp are common symptoms. If varicose veins have been untreated for a long time there may occur permanent damage in the skin and there may also be wound formations. These wounds are frequently chronic and difficult to treat and have a tendency to re-appear.

About RVC

Since 2006 Dr. Med. Gudmundur Danielsson has worked at Scandinavian Venous Centre which is a leading centre in the treatment of venous diseases in Sweden and Norway. Currently working at Aleris Clinic in Stavanger, Norway. Extensive knowledge and experience in the performance of ultrasound imaging is important because the operation is based on this technique.

The Operation

RVC applies a state of the art laser device (ELVeS Radial 2ring™) which is internationally recognised as being one of the best and there has been a lot of experience gained in its use. The operation is performed during local anaesthesia and there is no need for general anaesthesia. The operation is performed under ultrasound scanning (Mindray DP-50)

Information

Læknahúsið DeaMedica
Álfheimum 74
107 Reykjavík
S:515-1600

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