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Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, allowing patients to be treated without the need for surgery. The most common methods include endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, and vein adhesive techniques.
These procedures eliminate varicose veins, improving appearance and relieving pain.
Interventional radiology techniques are performed under local anesthesia, enabling patients to quickly return to their daily activities.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a vascular condition that occurs when veins become enlarged and twisted. They are most commonly seen in the legs and appear as blue or purple bulging veins. In addition to causing cosmetic concerns, varicose veins can also lead to physical discomforts such as pain, swelling, cramps, and a feeling of heaviness or fatigue.
How Do Varicose Veins Form?
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart and contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves do not function properly, blood can flow backward, pool in the veins, and cause them to enlarge, leading to varicose veins.
Factors That Trigger Varicose Veins:
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Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of varicose veins are more likely to develop them.
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Prolonged Standing or Sitting: People who stand (e.g., teachers, nurses) or sit for long periods due to work may experience slower blood circulation, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
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Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy put pressure on veins, which can trigger varicose veins.
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Aging: Vein walls and valves weaken with age, creating conditions for varicose vein formation.
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Obesity and Excess Weight: Extra weight places additional pressure on leg veins, accelerating varicose vein development.
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Hormonal Changes: Especially in women, birth control pills or hormone therapies can increase the risk of varicose veins.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Symptoms of varicose veins may vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:
Visual Symptoms: Prominent blue or purple veins visible on the legs.
Pain and Discomfort: Pain, burning, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
Swelling: Swelling in the ankles and legs.
Cramps and Itching: Nighttime leg cramps and itching sensations.
Skin Changes: Discoloration, thinning of the skin, and in advanced cases, skin ulcers (varicose ulcers).
Types of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are classified based on their size and appearance:
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Large Varicose Veins (Varicose Veins): Prominent, twisted, and swollen veins visible on the skin surface.
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Reticular Veins: Smaller, web-like veins that usually appear blue or green.
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Capillary Veins (Spider Veins): Thin, red or blue veins that primarily raise cosmetic concerns.
What Happens If Varicose Veins Are Left Untreated?
If left untreated, varicose veins can progress and lead to serious health problems:
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Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Blood flow back to the heart becomes severely impaired, causing increased swelling, pain, and discoloration in the legs.
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Varicose Ulcers: Painful sores may develop, especially around the ankles.
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Vein Inflammation (Thrombophlebitis): Blood clots and inflammation can occur in varicose veins.
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Bleeding: Thinned varicose veins are more prone to bleeding from trauma.
Varicose Vein Treatment with Interventional Radiology
Varicose veins can be treated with minimally invasive interventional methods without the need for surgery. These methods are safe treatment options that offer additional advantages such as less pain, shorter recovery time, and a lower risk of complications.
Varicose Vein Treatment Methods in Interventional Radiology:
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA):
The varicose vein is closed from the inside using laser energy. Local anesthesia is applied during the procedure, and the patient can return to daily activities the same day.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
The vein is closed using heat energy. The vein wall is heated and sealed, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy:
A special solution is injected into the varicose vein to close it. It is mostly preferred for spider veins and small varicose veins.
Post-Treatment Care for Varicose Veins
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Compression Stockings: After treatment, wear compression stockings for the duration recommended by your doctor to speed up vein healing and reduce swelling.
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Physical Activity: Light walks help improve blood circulation and aid recovery, while heavy exercise should be avoided.
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Rest and Elevate Legs: Keeping the legs elevated above heart level helps reduce swelling.
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Sun Protection: Treated areas may be sensitive to sunlight, so they should be protected from direct sun exposure.
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Follow-Up Visits: Attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor after treatment.
Advantages of Varicose Vein Treatment with Interventional Radiology
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Minimally Invasive: Performed without surgical incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
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Safe and Effective: Procedures performed under local anesthesia offer high success rates with a low risk of complications.
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Aesthetic and Functional Solution: Eliminates the visible appearance of varicose veins while relieving pain, swelling, and cramps in the legs.