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Summary of article:
A 68-year-old woman had varicose veins that had not been treated for several years. Recently her varicose veins got worse and she went to the doctor. Her symptoms improved after treatment with laser ablation and sclerotherapy. The doctor warned that the disease would increase the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolism.
A 68-year-old woman had varicose veins in her right lower limb for more than 30 years. In the early years, he did not receive any active treatment because he had no discomfort. However, recently, the varicose veins gradually worsened and he felt pain and swelling. When the doctor evaluated the varicose veins with vascular ultrasound and ruled out venous thrombosis, he used laser ablation combined with sclerotherapy. Not only did the symptoms improve, but the original abnormality also went away to a great extent.
The woman said that 10 to 20 years ago, blood vessels that looked like clusters of particles began appearing on her right shin and the back of both knees. The skin looked bumpy and bumpy. He ignored it for a long time because he did not feel any pain. Recently pain, swelling and heaviness appeared and she went to the doctor.
Zheng Shikong, director of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Chang’an Hospital, said that varicose veins are vascular lesions caused by damaged valve function and blood reflux, commonly known as “floating hamstrings.” Studies have shown that patients with varicose veins are 5.3 times more likely to suffer from venous thrombosis than the general population, and the risk of potentially fatal pulmonary embolism is also 1.73 times higher. Therefore, active treatment is recommended.
He said current surgeries can be divided into two categories: “thermal ablation” and “medical glue.” Thermal ablation uses laser or radiofrequency heat energy to shrink and close diseased veins under ultrasound guidance; Medical glue involves injecting biological glue into diseased veins through a catheter to stick the blood vessels together like a sticker. Both are minimally invasive, and the lesion is only the size of a pinhole. Hospitalization is not required and you can go home the same day, and resume your daily activities the next day.
Zheng Shiqing said the woman had varicose veins in both lower limbs and severe reflux in the great saphenous vein on the right side. Fortunately, no venous thrombosis was found. After discussion, the patient chose laser ablation combined with sclerotherapy on both sides of the lower extremities, using medications to naturally shrink the varicose blood vessels in the peripheral branches. After the operation, I wore medical elastic stockings and went back for regular check-ups, and the follow-up situation was good. Markedly bulging blood vessel clusters near the shin and ankle have diminished and smoothed out, and pain and swelling have also significantly improved.
He said varicose veins are an irreversible vascular disease, and mild cases can be controlled by wearing elastic stockings, elevating the legs and avoiding prolonged standing and sitting. Conservative treatment is required only when symptoms become apparent. Since relapse may occur after treatment, regular follow-up is required. If you find that blue veins are visible on your legs, the skin is dull, and the pain, swelling, aches or cramps get significantly worse in the evening or after standing for long periods of time, you should seek treatment as soon as possible, and remember that “no pain doesn’t mean it’s OK.”
Summary FAQ
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He has had varicose veins in his right lower limb for more than 30 years. In the early years, he had no obvious discomfort and was not actively treated. Recently she felt pain, swelling and heaviness and went to the hospital for examination and treatment.
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Doctors explained that varicose veins are lesions caused by the reverse flow of blood. Patients are 5.3 times more likely to suffer from venous thrombosis than the average person, and also have a 1.73 times higher risk of pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal in severe cases.
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After vascular ultrasound evaluation and ablation of thrombus, she underwent laser ablation combined with bilateral lower limb sclerotherapy. After the operation, she was fitted with elastic stockings and followed-up. The blood vessel mass was largely smoothed out, and pain and swelling were significantly improved.
