This is an abbreviation for Superficial Vein Thrombosis. It encompasses thrombosis of superficial veins, like varicose veins, as well as thrombosis of intermediate veins like the saphenous veins. Apart from causing leg swelling or the inconvenience of a localised phlebitis, the significance of SVT is that it may be associated with a concurrent unsuspected DVT. Patients with… Read More »
This is an abbreviation for RadioFrequency Ablation. It is a common method used for treating varicose veins. As with laser, the saphenous veins are targeted with RFA which are usually the main veins from which varicose veins arise. The procedure is performed usually under local anaesthetic on an operating table. The varicose veins themselves usually require… Read More »
This triad is a hypothesis originating from Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902) consisting of stasis, hypercoagulability and endothelial injury. They are the three categories of factors thought to cause a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stasis may occur after prolonged immobility, stroke, general anaesthesia, hospitalisation or air/car travel. Hypercoagulability may occur with cancer, late pregnancy, childbirth, severe trauma, burns or inherited… Read More »
This can be defined as high vein pressure in the leg for an extended time period. The pressure in leg veins ranges from -5 mmHg to over 300 mmHg. The later can occur in leg veins at the moment of impact after jumping off a wall. Normally there are anti-gravitational mechanisms, like the calf-muscle pump… Read More »
There are tortuous and dilated veins which can be seen or felt beneath the skin of the leg. Their cause is not known. It is true to say they are associated with pregnancy, standing occupations and that the condition runs in families. The commonest cause is said to be an inherited weakness in the veins themselves.… Read More »
The association between the presence of varicose veins and leg pain is very unclear. Varicose veins are common and do not bother many people. Leg pains are even more common and are frequently unrelated to varicose veins. There are many causes of leg pain. However, if their description contains a reference to feelings of heavy, weighty or… Read More »