Interventions for varicose veins
Summary
Chronic venous disease is common and increases with age. In addition to the classically described complaints, it may also result in skin changes and venous ulcers. Chronic venous disease (CVD) has a great impact on patients’ health-related quality of life and is associated with considerable health care costs. Minimally invasive techniques, such as (ultrasound-guided foam) sclerotherapy, phlebectomies, and endovenous thermal ablation, are most frequently used for the treatment of (saphenous) varicose veins. Endovenous ablation techniques for saphenous veins have a high success rate, are associated with few complications and can be performed in an outpatient setting, avoiding hospitalisation.
Introduction
Varicose veins are tortuous and enlarged veins caused by a weakening in the vein’s wall or valves. They are a part of chronic venous disease (CVD), which may lead to serious complications, such as leg ulcers. The term chronic venous insufficiency is reserved for more serious stages of CVD when patients have edema and/or skin changes. The prevalence of varicose veins is high, especially in the western population, where it is approximately 30%.
Although many individuals will consult their physician for cosmetic reasons, others will have serious complaints and visible complications. Eighty percent of leg ulcers, whose incidence increases with age, are...
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