Venous Insufficiency
La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center
Cardiovascular Surgeons & Phlebologists located in New Orleans, Covington, LA & Metairie, LA
Venous Insufficiency Q & A
What is venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a condition where your blood doesn’t move efficiently through your veins, usually because of a blockage, and in some cases, it can even flow backward through damaged or malfunctioning veins. It most often affects the legs, as your veins have to work against gravity to send blood back to your heart.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
Common symptoms of venous insufficiency include:
- Muscle cramps, aches, and fatigue in the legs
- Leg swelling
- Brown or red skin discoloration, usually around the ankles
- Itchy or burning skin
- Restless leg syndrome
- Skin ulcers
What causes venous insufficiency?
One of the most common causes of venous insufficiency is varicose veins. When your veins don’t work properly, blood gets caught in the malfunctioning section of the vein, causing it to swell into those tell-tale swollen purple veins. Other factors that can contribute to venous insufficiency include:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Muscle weakness
- Inactivity (prolonged periods of sitting or standing)
- Phlebitis (swollen superficial veins)
- Family history
- Smoking
How is venous insufficiency diagnosed?
Dr. Juleff begins your treatment by diagnosing the specific cause of your venous insufficiency. He often uses tests like the venogram or a duplex ultrasound to monitor your circulation and identify the source of your problem.
During a venogram, Dr. Juleff injects a contrast dye into your veins and takes X-rays to get a clear image of your blood vessels. A duplex ultrasound measures the direction and speed of your circulation.
How is venous insufficiency treated?
Once Dr. Juleff has identified the root cause of your venous insufficiency, he creates a customized treatment plan to improve your circulation.
One of the most common treatments is endovenous ablation, which heats and closes your weakened veins, forcing your blood to reroute through healthier veins.
There are several different types of endovenous ablation, including radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser therapy. In both treatments, Dr. Juleff sends a catheter through your veins until it reaches the varicose vein or clogged vein that is causing your condition, then either radiofrequency or laser energy heats and seals the offending vein.
Most treatments take about an hour and are relatively pain-free. You’ll need to wear compression stockings for approximately two weeks following your treatment to encourage efficient circulation.
Call or make an appointment online today if you’re experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency.
*Individual results may vary.