What is venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs when the veins, which are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart, have trouble carrying blood properly. Usually, veins have one-way valves that help keep the blood flowing in the right direction, towards the heart. However, in venous insufficiency, these valves do not work properly. When the valves in the veins are weak or damaged, they cannot prevent blood from flowing backward or pooling in the veins, particularly the leg veins. This can cause symptoms like swollen legs or ankles, aching or painful legs and sometimes sores or ulcers on the legs that are slow to heal.
Understanding your options
Interventional radiology can assist in treating venous insufficiency through procedures such as endovenous ablation. During endovenous ablation, an interventional radiologist inserts a thin tube called a catheter into the affected vein under the guidance of medical imaging. Once the catheter is in the correct position, the interventional radiologist uses techniques like laser or radiofrequency energy to heat and seal the problematic vein. By closing off the unhealthy vein, blood flow is rerouted to healthier veins, relieving symptoms and improving circulation.
Other interventions are available, such as sclerotherapy, where a medication is injected into the troublesome vein to cause it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. This helps reduce the appearance of visible varicose veins and relieve related discomfort.
Our goal as your care team
Interventional radiology aims to restore proper blood flow and alleviate symptoms associated with venous insufficiency while avoiding more invasive surgical procedures. The choice of intervention depends on the severity and location of the condition, as well as the individual’s specific medical situation. It is important to consult a healthcare professional who can collaborate with an interventional radiologist to determine the best treatment approach for managing venous insufficiency and improving overall leg health.
