In the time of Hippocrates, varicose veins were called "sickness, knocking down." And it's not for nothing, because vein dilatation is not only an aesthetic defect, but also a harbinger of a serious complication - thrombophlebitis.
The first single nodules of dilated veins rarely cause anxiety, although they can sometimes ache a bit. The heaviness and swelling of the legs by evening - this is also not varicose, but only signs of chronic venous insufficiency. But already at this stage it's time to turn to the vascular surgeon-phlebologist.
The doctor will prescribe ultrasound duplex scanning of veins (UZDS). The study is safe, painless, takes only about half an hour. The ultrasound will accurately determine the permeability of deep and superficial veins, find out how the valves work, calculate the blood flow velocity, detect blood clots in the affected veins, the degree of their danger, and help choose the treatment tactics. Other studies, such as radiography of veins, do not apply today - can lead to complications.
ZAPAYAT, AND BUSINESS WITH THE END
When the network of small, barely noticeable bluish capillaries begins to expand, and the subcutaneous veins are filled with blood, expand and turn into wormlike thick, swollen knots, sclerotherapy will help. A thin needle into the veins is injected with special substances - sclerosants, which "glue" the enlarged area. Thus, the vein is flattened and fused. The blood flow stops on it. For this it is necessary to tightly tighten the veins for a while. Earlier this was achieved by elastic bandage, now - comfortable compression knitwear. Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis. It is better if the doctor makes it under the control of an ultrasound scanner - then the procedure is called "echosclerotherapy." At this healthy sites do not suffer.
Previously, the method was used only in the treatment of small cocycles, but with the advent of Foam-Form technology it became possible to "glue" even large varicose nodules. From the classical, this method is different in that the sclerosant is converted into a finely divided foam and then introduced into a vessel. So you can close not only small, but also large enough veins, and also reduce the amount of the drug administered.
Sclerotherapy is painless, because the thinnest, specially sharpened needles are used. And the result is a significant improvement in the circulation of the legs, the elimination of blood stasis in the varicose veins. Disappear not only the dilated vessels, but also pain, swelling, seizures, increased fatigue.
HIGH TECH
For very large venous nodes, a surgical operation is necessary : a saphenectomy : under local or spinal anesthesia, dilated veins are removed through a special probe. Thanks to endoscopic methods, you can do without large incisions.
To replace the operation in many cases, laser coagulation of varicose veins , which acts more powerful than sclerotherapy, but does not require incisions, as an operation, and is performed under local anesthesia. In the vein, under ultrasound control, a thin optical fiber is connected to the laser apparatus. Blood absorbs high energy of radiation and instantly effervesces. High temperature "brews" the wall of varicose veins on the entire thickness, thus eliminating the need for its removal.
"STAR FEVER
Many women are no less worried about the beauty of their legs. Microthermocoagulation allows the removal of tiny spider veins with a diameter of less than 0.3 mm, which can not be eliminated by the method of microsclerotherapy. The finest acicular microelectrode through which a high frequency current is passed through, under the control of magnifying technique, is introduced into the region of the expanded vessel, current pulses are applied to it. Heat instantly acts on the capillary, without damaging the skin and surrounding tissue, and that in fractions of a second disappears. And in its place there is only a slight reddening and a tiny crust. Sessions are held once a week for 10-20 minutes. During one session, 30-40 microinjections are performed. No pain, no allergic reactions. But there is one disadvantage: after the procedure, microscopic scars are often left in the places where the electrodes are installed.
Radiofrequency surgery is another way to deal with vascular asterisks. A radio knife (a thin electrode) coagulates a vessel more reliably than a laser and controls the depth of the effect. Microsclerotherapy is the "gold standard" of aesthetic phlebology. The drug is injected into the smallest veins and vascular asterisks. Cosmetic result is achieved after 1,5-2 months, there is no scarring or burns.
Cautious Tips
After the operation, you need to wear shoes with high heels less often, and wear sports shoes only for the intended purpose, avoiding heavy physical exertion and prolonged stay on the legs.
Journal of Health № 5 2008