Chronic Venous Insufficiency or CVI is a condition that causes blood to pool or start to collect in the veins. Some causes for this disease range from having Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a case where blood clots develop in deep veins of the legs, to various other risk factors. Medical professionals have developed CVI treatment methods to combat this condition.
Doctors utilize venous insufficiency treatment to promote better blood circulation in the body. Blood clots that occur in the veins can produce painful symptoms in patients with CVI. These symptoms include aching or tiredness of the legs, status ulcers, and other types of discomfort.
Other symptoms include developing varicose veins and various forms of skin irregularities, such as itching, leathery-looking, or flaking skin. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can also develop in the body due to venous insufficiency.
Dr. Robert Weiss, associate professor at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, states, “It has been estimated that 2-5% of all Americans have some changes associated with CVI.” Additionally, other risk factors for CVI include age and sex. Because of this, it is essential to learn about available CVI treatment methods.
A few types of treatment are available, but most doctors advise patients to try medication and compression stockings. Additionally, they may suggest exercise as a means to recover from venous insufficiency. Some other types of therapy include sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Sclerotherapy involves a doctor injecting a liquid solution in the affected area, an ideal treatment for patients with smaller varicose veins. The chemical injected scars the vein, which is then absorbed into the body as scar tissue. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history before the session.
This kind of treatment takes about an hour and is typically performed in the office. Once finished, the doctor will advise you to walk around because this can help prevent blood clots. Patients may feel a bit of bruising or other side effects from the visit.
Sclerotherapy is a common form of treatment performed in the United States. According to Healthline, there were over 300,000 procedures done in 2017 on CVI patients. Dr. Robert L. Worthington-Kirsch, clinical associate professor of radiology, says that many studies confirm that the success rate of this treatment method is very high. For those looking for a quick, effective way to recover from CVI, you may consider sclerotherapy.
RFA treatment is another option available for those who suffer from varicose veins. During this treatment, a catheter is applied to the affected area of the body, releasing an electric current. The heat from the current directly targets the varicose vein, turning it into scarred tissue.
Before the procedure starts, the doctor will numb the affected area of your body with a local anesthetic. Then, they will puncture the skin with a needle and begin applying the electric current to the vein. Afterward, they place a bandage on the skin.
One study says, “In comparative studies, radiofrequency ablation has been shown to have the lowest rates of adverse events and complications.” These findings indicate that RFA treatment is reliable and safe to target any venous insufficiencies in the body. To decide if this treatment method will suit your needs, you can schedule a consultation with us at BASS Vein Center.
Do you want to learn more about our services? Do you have questions about insurance coverage? Visit our website or call us at (925) 281-5912. We take pride in prioritizing our patients’ needs and concerns, and we look forward to hearing from you.
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