varicose veins

Question 1

Varicose veins

What are varicose veins?

Answer 1

Distended tortuous superficial veins due to venous insufficiency & incompetent valves

Question 2

Varicose veins

Age, sex, risk factors for varicose veins

Answer 2

increasing age
F>M 
- genetic/hereditary
- increased pressure
- previous VTE
- obesity
- sedentary lifestyle
- smoking

Question 3

Varicose veins

S&S varicose veins

Answer 3

• Dull aching, burning or cramping
• Provoked by prolonged standing or menstruation
• Edema resolves overnight
• In some cases, chronic venous insufficiency leads to skin damage:
• Pruritis, hyperpigmentation (hemosiderin deposits), stasis dermatitis, lipodermatosclerosis, bleeding, or ulceration.
• Leg fatigue/heaviness
• Blue veins that protrude above the surface of the skin

Question 4

Varicose veins

Tx varicose veins

Answer 4

compression stockings (ABI's first) 
leg elevation 
sclerotherapy 
stripping 
endovenous laser therapy .. other surgical options