27, 12, 2023

Navigating the Pathways of Venous Disease

2023-10-11T18:03:36-07:00

Navigating the Pathways of Venous Disease

Venous reflux disease, also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence, is a multifaceted condition that affects the veins in the legs. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at venous reflux disease, including its underlying causes and the symptoms it presents. Additionally, we’ll delve into the progressive nature of this condition and the critical role played by ultrasound technology in both diagnosis and the formulation of personalized treatment plans.

Understanding Venous Reflux

At the core of venous reflux disease lies the concept of ‘leaky valves’ within the leg veins. These valves are responsible for maintaining the proper flow of blood, preventing it from flowing backward (reflux) towards the feet instead of moving upwards toward the heart. Venous reflux can occur in both the deep and superficial leg veins, significantly impacting blood circulation efficiency.

The Anatomy of Reflux

Leg veins can be categorized into two primary types: deep and superficial. Deep veins are located within the muscle and are responsible for carrying the majority of blood from the legs back to the heart. In contrast, superficial veins are situated just beneath the skin, outside the muscle. Within the realm of superficial veins, two key players are the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV), which courses through the thigh and calf, and the small saphenous vein, running along the back of the calf.

Implications of Leaky Valves

Normally, one-way valves in leg veins facilitate blood flow against gravity, with assistance from the contraction of calf muscles. When these valves become leaky, blood can flow backward, causing blood to pool in the lower legs. This condition manifests through various symptoms, such as leg heaviness, pain, fatigue, ankle swelling, and even restless legs at night. Over time, venous reflux disease can progress, leading to skin changes, including darkening, dryness, itching, and the potential development of venous leg ulcers.

Diagnosis Through Ultrasound

Accurate diagnosis of venous reflux disease necessitates specialized tools, with ultrasound technology taking the lead. Not all vein issues are visible to the naked eye, as many originate from veins beneath the skin’s surface. Ultrasound examinations offer a means to visualize the direction of blood flow, assess valve functionality, and detect the presence of blockages or scars within the veins.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Effectively addressing venous reflux disease requires a tailored strategy for each patient. The treatment process typically comprises three key steps:

Step 1: Addressing Underlying Reflux

The primary focus is on addressing the root cause of the problem—venous reflux. This is typically achieved by targeting the saphenous veins, often the origin of the issue. Innovative vein ablation procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA), and Varithena Foam, are utilized to restore proper blood flow.

Step 2: Managing Varicose Veins

After resolving the underlying reflux, attention shifts to treating varicose veins. This can involve foam sclerotherapy, a procedure using foamed medication injections, or minimally invasive removal methods to eliminate bulging veins.

Step 3: Treating Spider Veins

For those seeking cosmetic improvements, sclerotherapy is an option to address spider veins. While this step is primarily cosmetic, it contributes to the comprehensive treatment journey.

Venous reflux disease is a complex condition that requires specialized care for effective management. Our approach incorporates cutting-edge diagnostics, state-of-the-art treatments, and personalized patient care to comprehensively address the various facets of this condition. Through our expertise and unwavering commitment, we aim to provide transformative results that enhance both the health and quality of life for our patients. If you’re ready to embark on the path to healthier veins, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and take the initial step toward achieving comprehensive vein and vascular wellness.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts! 

Navigating the Pathways of Venous Disease2023-10-11T18:03:36-07:00

23, 10, 2023

Exploring upper extremity venous study: insights

2023-09-29T21:17:27-07:00

Exploring upper extremity venous study: insights

While deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs often takes the spotlight, it’s essential not to overlook the upper extremities when assessing vein health. An Upper Extremity Venous Study, a specialized ultrasound examination, plays a pivotal role in uncovering potential issues in the arms and neck. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of this study, why it’s performed, and how it aids in diagnosing arm-related concerns.

Understanding the Upper Extremity Venous Study

The Upper Extremity Venous Study is a non-invasive imaging procedure that focuses on the veins of the upper arms and neck. Its primary purpose is to assess both the deep and superficial venous systems in these regions. This study is especially valuable when an individual presents with specific signs and symptoms, such as pain and swelling in the arms.

Why Perform an Upper Extremity Venous Study?

Several factors may prompt a healthcare provider to recommend an Upper Extremity Venous Study:

  • Arm Pain and Swelling: When a person experiences pain and swelling in one or both arms, especially if the symptoms are unexplained or persistent, an Upper Extremity Venous Study can help determine the underlying cause.
  • Assessment of Venous Health: Just as it’s crucial to assess the lower extremities for DVT, it’s equally important to evaluate the upper extremities for potential venous issues. This study aids in identifying conditions like deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein problems, and more.
  • Unexplained Symptoms: Sometimes, arm pain and swelling may not have an obvious cause. The Upper Extremity Venous Study serves as a diagnostic tool to uncover hidden vascular concerns.

The Procedure

An Upper Extremity Venous Study is a relatively straightforward procedure that follows these steps:

  • Preparation: No special preparation is required for this study. You can typically eat, drink, and take any prescribed medications as usual before the examination.
  • Ultrasound Gel Application: The sonographer, a trained healthcare professional, will apply a special ultrasound gel to the skin in the areas of interest, typically the upper arms and neck.
  • Transducer Use: A handheld device called a transducer is used to perform the ultrasound. It emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the blood vessels in the arms and neck. These sound waves create echoes that are transformed into images.
  • Real-Time Imaging: The transducer is moved gently over the skin’s surface, allowing real-time imaging of the veins in the upper extremities. This process helps visualize the veins’ structure and assess blood flow.

The Upper Extremity Venous Study is a valuable tool in the world of vascular medicine. By assessing the deep and superficial venous systems in the arms and neck, it helps healthcare providers diagnose and address issues related to arm pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

If you or someone you know experiences unexplained or persistent arm discomfort, consulting with a healthcare provider and considering an Upper Extremity Venous Study can provide insights into the underlying causes. Early detection and intervention can lead to effective treatment and a healthier future for your arms.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts! 



Exploring upper extremity venous study: insights2023-09-29T21:17:27-07:00

11, 7, 2022

Ankle health and venous disease

2022-12-13T14:08:19-08:00

5 signs of venous disease were found on the ankles

Venous disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the leg veins. It is also referred to as venous insufficiency. When the one-way valves that help blood in the veins flow from the feet to the heart, no longer work properly, blood begins to pool around the ankles. Over time, the pooling of blood causes increased hydrostatic pressure within the blood vessels. This is referred to as venous hypertension in the medical community. Venous disease, hypertension is associated with chronic venous insufficiency, which means the vein valves have become leaky for a long time before physical signs are apparent. An ultrasound examination can first identify if the underlying veins are weak and leaky not visible to the naked eye, long before physical signs become apparent. Some signs you may see that may indicate underlying venous reflux disease include:

Darkening of skin, and itchiness are a sign of chronic venous insufficiency or venous disease

  1. Skin darkening around the ankle (hyperpigmentation). This is also referred to as venous stasis. This is a result of long-standing venous reflux or pooling of blood.
  2. Itchy, scaly skin around the ankles. This is referred to as venous eczema. This skin becomes itchy and scaly from chronic inflammation.
  3. spider veins in the inner ankle. These are commonly associated with venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. The great saphenous vein courses the ankle all the way to the groin. When blood pools from thigh upper thigh all the way to the ankle, small spider veins may appear in the ankle. These are commonly perceived as cosmetic because most people don’t realize there is an underlying problem.
  4. ankle swelling (edema). There are many causes for ankle swelling. Some are serious like heart conditions where others are less serious like a salty diet. When ankle swelling is present talk to your doctor about the various causes. However, one of the most common causes of ankle swelling is venous reflux disease. Anyone who has ankle swelling can benefit from an ultrasound examination to determine if venous reflux disease is present.
  5. skin ulceration and breakdown in the ankle. Over time, pooling of blood in the ankles and venous hypertension causes the skin to darken, it can become scaly and itchy and eventually ulcerate because the skin breaks down from chronic inflammation. This is called a venous leg ulcer. Venous leg ulcers are treated by treating the underlying venous reflux disease.

All of these signs and symptoms can be reduced by treating the underlying problem, venous reflux disease. See our treatments page to better understand treatment options.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

 

Ankle health and venous disease2022-12-13T14:08:19-08:00

22, 4, 2022

A deeper look into chronic venous insufficiency

2022-04-15T15:36:06-07:00

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an inflammatory condition caused by long standing, untreated venous reflux disease.  Commonly, venous reflux disease causes a collection of symptoms such as leg swelling, heaviness, fatigue and varicose veins. But, over time, when blood is no longer circulating properly in the leg veins, skin changes can also appear. When skin changes appear, this is termed, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Venous stasis is another term used for this condition.   Chronic inflammation from CVI causes the skin around the ankles to darken, become dry, itchy, and firm. In severe cases, the skin can start to break down and ulcerate. The ulcer (wound) occurs in the inner or outer ankle and is also referred to as a stasis ulcer or venous ulcer.

Venous stasis skin changes associated with venous insufficiency include:

  • Darkening of the skin along the ankles
  • Itching and dry skin around the ankles (venous eczema)
  • Development of wounds around the ankles, called venous leg ulcers

 

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is progressive and worsens over time.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is also known as venous stasis, or venous incompetence. Venous reflux disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the veins of the legs. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. The deep veins are those within the muscle; they bring at least 80-90% of the blood from the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are outside of the muscle and under the skin. The main superficial veins are the Great Saphenous Vein that courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein, which courses up the back of the calf. Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface. Symptoms include leg heaviness, leg fatigue, leg pain, ankle swelling, phlebitis (inflamed and painful veins) , restless legs at night, and night cramps. Venous reflux disease is progressive and worsens over time. Skin changes may also develop, including darkening of the skin around the ankles. The darkening of the skin is sometimes referred to as skin changes. The skin can become dry and itchy (venous eczema). Eventually, the skin can break down causing a wound, called a venous leg ulcer. 

 

A deeper look into chronic venous insufficiency2022-04-15T15:36:06-07:00

Understanding Venous Stasis Dermatitis

2022-04-15T15:36:58-07:00

Understanding Venous Stasis Dermatitis

Venous stasis dermatitis is a change in the skin that occur when blood collects (pools) in the veins of the lower leg. ‘Stasis’ refers to pooling of the blood in the lower legs from venous insufficiency, and ‘dermatitis’ refers to the inflammation and related skin changes. Because of the inflammation, the skin around the ankles is usually itchy and discolored.

In venous stasis dermatitis, the skin of the ankles and lower legs may look thin or tissue-like. You may slowly get brown stains on the skin.The skin may become irritated or crack if you scratch it. It may also become red or swollen, crusted, or weepy.Over time, some skin changes become permanent. Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis)

Here’s what to look out for:

  • A bumpy or cobblestone appearance of the skin
  • Dark brown color

Venous stasis can cause skin sores (ulcers) may develop (called a venous ulcer or stasis ulcer). These most often form on the inside of the ankle. For this reason, skin changes are noticed around the ankle, you should see your doctor or vein specialist to stop the progression of venous insufficiency and prevent the skin from forming an ulceration.

  Stasis dermatitis

Chronic venous insufficiency over time can lead to skin changes and eventually ulceration. This image demonstrates stasis dermatitis (also known as venous dermatitis). Stasis dermatitis refers to the skin changes including skin discoloration around the ankles, dry itchy skin that can be thin, and it may eventually break down to cause an ulceration. You need to see a doctor if these signs are present.

Eight symptoms to watch out for:

  1. Swelling around ankles
  2. Heavy legs
  3. Varicose Veins, which can be twisted, bulging, dark, or purple
  4. Itching
  5. Pain
  6. Sores that ooze, crust or become scaly
  7. Thickened skin around ankles or your shins
  8. Hair loss on ankles and shins
Understanding Venous Stasis Dermatitis2022-04-15T15:36:58-07:00

Understanding The Stages of Venous Disease

2022-04-14T10:28:50-07:00

The six stages of Venous Disease include:

  1. Spider Veins
  2. Reticular Varicose Veins
  3. Venous Nodes
  4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  5. Trophic Ulcers
  6. Varicose Eczema

La Jolla Vein Care gives patients the tailored treatment plan for whichever stage they come in with. A diagnostic test is run called the Duplex Ultrasound. This displays a deeper look into the patient’s veins.

Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, chronic venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence. Venous disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the veins of the legs. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. The deep veins are those within the muscle; they bring at least 80-90% of the blood from the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are outside of the muscle and under the skin. The main superficial veins are the Great Saphenous Vein that courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein, which courses up the back of the calf.

Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface. Symptoms of venous disease include leg heaviness, leg fatigue, leg pain, ankle swelling, phlebitis (inflamed and painful veins) , restless legs at night, and night cramps. Venous reflux disease is progressive and worsens over time. Skin changes may also develop, including darkening of the skin around the ankles. The darkening of the skin is sometimes referred to as skin changes. The skin can become dry and itchy (venous eczema). 

venous stage

 

 

Understanding The Stages of Venous Disease2022-04-14T10:28:50-07:00

20, 3, 2017

How Do I Know If I Have An Underlying Vein Problem?

2020-12-19T03:59:38-08:00

Varicose Veins Are Not Always Visible to the Naked Eye

varicose-vein-valve-image-on-legs

dysfunctional vein valves

Most vein conditions are not visible to the naked eye. The veins that are visible can be the ‘tip of the iceberg’ indicating an underlying problem. Therefore, a duplex ultrasound examination may be recommended to determine if there is an underlying condition called, venous inssufficiency. Venous insufficiency indicates when the vein valves are leaky.

Bulging, ropy varicose veins, and spider veins in certain anatomic regions of the body such as the inner ankles and inner thighs or blue veins behind the knees suggest underlying venous insufficiency.

svmagnifying-glass-1030x687

Veins are not always visible to the eye

How Do I Know If I Have An Underlying Vein Problem?2020-12-19T03:59:38-08:00

19, 6, 2014

7 Signs of Venous Disease

2021-11-05T11:14:23-07:00

#1 A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the legs that gets worse as the day progresses.

#2 Leg fatigue and tiredness in the legs, which also becomes worse by the end of the day and after prolonged standing or sitting. Some patients describe their legs as being ‘full of energy in the morning but are tired by the evening. For example, after a long day at work, Disney land, or the grocery store, you may feel like you need to run to a chair to recline and elevate your legs.

#3 Leg swelling, mostly affecting the ankles. Your legs may be normal in the morning but you notice swelling or that your shoes are tight by the end of the day.

#4 Leg pain. This can occur generally, or along a varicose vein, especially those that run on the outside of the leg or behind the knees. Some patients report localized pain along the vein that feels like burning or throbbing. Leg pain that is worse during exercise may indicate a different problem.

#5 Night cramps. These are cramps usually in the calf or thighs that occur only at night.

#6 Restless Legs: a feeling of restlessness during the night, that may interrupt sleep. You may have to get out of bed to walk around and move your legs.

#7 Noticeable bulging, twisted veins called varicose veins

symptoms

7 Signs of Venous Disease2021-11-05T11:14:23-07:00
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CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

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