This page provides general information about some of the procedures that your Doctor may consider when determining which is most appropriate for you.

This is background information only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation about any particular procedure. Your Doctor will help you choose the most appropriate option for your specific condition and circumstances.

Treatment Goals

The treatment of Venous Insufficiency is typically performed with one or more of these goals in mind:

Improving circulation
Preventing and treating complications
Removing abnormal veins
Improving appearance

Diagnosis

For your Doctor to fully understand the extent of your condition they will begin diagnosis with a complete medical history check, followed by the following, depending on the extent:

A detailed examination; thoroughly inspecting your legs while standing, checking for swelling and other signs.
A Duplex Ultrasound scan; a painless non-invasive scan that informs the Doctor about what is happening inside your veins. Your Doctor or the sonographer performing the scan will place a small transducer or ‘probe’ on the skin of your leg and will move it around to assess the veins underneath. An image transmitted to a monitor screen will show your veins and the movement of blood within them and through the valves.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Venous Insufficiency will be determined by your Doctor depending on the following:

Your medical history
Your age and overall health
Your signs and symptoms
Expectations for the course of the disease
Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

According to the above considerations, your Doctor will decide on the most appropriate treatment, which may be any of the following:

Measures to improve blood flow; including wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs and increasing exercise.
Medications that improve blood flow can be used in combination with compression therapy to help heal leg ulcers
Sclerotherapy or laser for treatment of spider veins or reticular veins
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Ablation or Surgery for treatment of varicose veins