Outline
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition in which the leg veins get damaged and struggle to return the blood to the heart. The valves in the veins fail to function correctly and prevent the backflow of blood, resulting in the need for more cardio effort to pump it back to the heart.
The walls of leg veins are strained due to stuck blood pools, resulting in swelling and a high risk of leg ulcer formation if left untreated. It is in this symptom stage that the condition acquires status as chronic venous insufficiency.
CVI should not be confused with the post-thrombotic syndrome, in which previous deep vein thrombosis causes damage to vascular structures. CVI can last for years or, in some cases, the patient’s lifetime.
Causes
CVI is mainly caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when a blood clot damages your leg vein valves. Lack of exercise, smoking, and high blood pressure in leg veins caused by sitting or standing for long are also significant contributors to the onset of CVI.
Symptoms
The most visual symptom of CVI is the development of varicose veins, whereby superficial veins enlarge and twist. Varicose veins develop just under the skin and may cause pain or fatigue depending on the individual.
Leg ulcers, medically known as venous ulcers, are wounds that appear on the skin and fail to heal spontaneously. Leg ulcers occur in more severe cases where the disease has been allowed to progress. When they appear, they are sustained by CVI.
In some individuals, skin pigmentation may occur as a result.
Pain is also a significant symptom, especially pain that fluctuates with movement. It is standard in the advanced stages of the condition.
Medical Treatment and Therapy
CVI is not a curable condition. However, it can be managed through some medical procedures and surgeries. Making lifestyle modifications in the patient’s life is the easiest way to ease the symptoms. Surgeries done to extract the irreparably damaged veins can also help to manage the condition.
Washington Vascular Specialists is an outpatient treatment center based in the mid-Atlantic region. Since its establishment in 2005, our practice has provided treatment for various vascular complications, including CVI.
For the last 18 years, Washington Vascular Specialists has been the only outpatient vascular treatment center in the region offering affordable, world-class vascular care.
With the leadership of its founder, Mubashar Choudry, a world-renowned interventional cardiologist specializing in cardiac and endovascular fields for over 20 years, our practice’s team of specialists delivers world-class collaborative care, ensuring each surgical procedure is minimally invasive.
Our specialists utilize modern medical equipment to ensure patients have a wonderful experience free of procedural complications. We like to focus on education-based treatment, where we educate our patients on their conditions and the risks for complications related to chronic diseases like CVI.
Not only do we physically remove damaged veins, but we also advise our patients on medically proven lifestyle routines that can assist in managing their conditions.
Washington Vascular Specialists centers can be found in Largo, Takoma Park, Baltimore, Gaithersburg, and Frederick, Maryland, meaning you can access expert vascular services quickly and conveniently.
Contact us today to book an appointment or speak to one of our specialists for more information on CVI.
