Primary varicose veins

Essential or primary truncal varicose veins

Truncal Varicose Veins are secondary to poorly functioning valves and ensuing dilation of one of the main trunk veins of the superficial system (Saphenous veins long and short). The flawed truncal vein subsequently causes dilatation of their large branches that twist and bulge. These swollen vessels appear under the skin as blue, bumpy and rope-like veins. These can be quite painful and sometimes cause serious complications. If the varicose veins become troublesome, the problems can include clotting, swelling, and eventually skin changes (scarring, discoloration and ulceration).

Recurrent truncal varicose veins

Recurrent truncal varicose veins are varicose veins that develop after varicose vein surgery. They sometimes appear soon after surgery or they may recur years later. Removal of these by surgery is sometimes difficult and results are poor.

Postphlebitic syndrome and varicose veins

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form and obstruct the deep veins of the leg which transport 90% of the venous blood in the leg.  The thrombus gets embedded into the vein wall damaging it and destroying the veins valves. Eventually, very often the body works to restore the flow but sometimes the valves remain injured.

The result is a dilatation and pressure increase in the deep veins of the leg that is also eventually transmitted to the main trunks of the superficial veins and its branches. Finally, the increased pressure reaches to the skin veins resulting in a persistently swollen leg, skin discoloration and breakdown and pain. This is known as the post-phlebitic syndrome.

Traditionally, this varicosities secondary to a post-phlebitic syndrome was left untreated, however if they are removed, the degree of deep reflux can decrease and as a result the venous hypertension and its consequences.

Secondary varicose veins

Reticular veins are small veins measuring approximately 1-3 mm in diameter. They are usually flat dilated blue and green veins beneath the skin surface.  Reticular veins are usually not symptomatic and difficult to remove with conventional methods.

Spider veins are not really varicosities but small dilatations in the veins of superficial layers of the skin.  They are red or blue and usually look like a spider web or tree branch. Spider veins are frequently only a cosmetic concern but sometimes they are secondary to truncal or reticular varicose veins that act as a feeder veins. Other factors that contribute to the development of spider veins are hormones, weight gain, or medication.  When the cause of spider veins is not an underlying or “feeder” varicose vein, results from treatment with Microfoam Sclerotherapy may not be stable since it is not possible to treat the primary condition. In such a case it is necessary to periodically repeat the treatment to achieve a stable result.