Understanding Venous Disease
Venous disease, also known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux, refers to conditions that affect the veins in the body, particularly the legs. Unlike arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, veins are responsible for returning oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Venous disease occurs when the valves in the veins become weakened or damaged, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the legs.
Common types of venous disease include:
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Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins that appear blue or purple and may bulge near the surface of the skin, often causing discomfort or pain.
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Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A condition where the valves in the veins fail to adequately return blood to the heart, leading to symptoms such as swelling, leg cramps, and skin changes.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and potentially life-threatening complications if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
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Venous Ulcers: Chronic wounds that develop on the legs due to poor circulation and impaired healing, often associated with underlying venous disease.
Symptoms of venous disease may vary depending on the specific condition but can include swelling, heaviness or aching in the legs, skin discoloration, itching, and the development of visible veins.
Our Services for Venous Disease
At James River Cardiology, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to effectively manage venous disease and improve venous health. Our team of experienced cardiologists and vascular specialists is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to each patient's needs. Here are some of the services we offer:
Diagnostic Procedures:
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Venous Duplex Ultrasound: A painless imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow in the veins and detect abnormalities such as blood clots or venous reflux.
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Venography: A diagnostic procedure where contrast dye is injected into a vein, allowing for visualization of the vein on X-ray images to identify blockages or other abnormalities.
Therapeutic Procedures:
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Endovenous Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins and venous reflux by using heat or laser energy to seal the affected vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
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Sclerotherapy: A procedure to treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins by injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away.
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Vein Stripping and Ligation: Surgical procedures to remove or tie off diseased veins, typically reserved for more severe cases of venous disease.
Comprehensive Care for Venous Health
In addition to these procedures, we provide comprehensive management for venous disease, including compression therapy, wound care, and lifestyle counseling to help patients manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation in venous disease management to offer our patients the best possible care.
If you're experiencing symptoms of venous disease or have concerns about your venous health, don't hesitate to contact us for an evaluation. Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and optimize your venous health.
