Varicose veins

Varicose Veins: Definition, Causes, Examination and Treatment

Varicose veins (also called varicose veins) are a very common condition where the veins in the legs have become dilated and twisted, typically visible as bulges under the skin. This condition is caused by a defect in the venous valves, which normally prevent blood from flowing back. When the valves fail (venous insufficiency), blood builds up, increasing pressure and widening the vein.

The causes of varicose veins are largely hereditary, but the risk also increases with age, during pregnancy, with obesity, and as a result of prolonged standing work, which puts extra pressure on the venous system in the legs.

Examination is crucial to determine the right treatment for varicose veins. The process always begins with a specialized preliminary examination, which includes an ultrasound scan (duplex scan). This scan maps the direction of blood flow and pinpoints exactly where the venous valves are leaking.

The most effective methods for treating varicose veins are currently minimally invasive:

• Laser treatment of varicose veins (EVLT): This is often the standard treatment for larger, leaky veins in the leg. A thin laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein under local anesthesia. The heat from the laser closes the vein from the inside, after which the body absorbs it over time. The treatment is gentle, leaves minimal scarring, and has a short recovery time.

• Phlebectomy (Microphlebectomy): This technique is used to remove visible, superficial branches of varicose veins. Through very small punctures in the skin (typically 1-2 mm), which do not require stitches, the diseased vein pieces are pulled out with a small instrument. This provides an immediate cosmetic result and is performed under local anesthesia.

• Foam sclerotherapy (Sclerotherapy): This method is often used for smaller varicose veins and vein branches or as a complement to laser treatment. A medical foam is injected directly into the vein, which irritates the walls and causes the vein to close and shrink.

By combining these methods, an individual treatment plan is tailored to provide relief from symptoms such as heaviness, swelling and restless legs as well as a beautiful cosmetic result.