Vascular surgeons diagnose and treat varicose veins using minimally invasive and surgical procedures. Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications such as skin ulcers, blood clots, and chronic pain. A vascular specialist can evaluate the condition, and they will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Understanding what vascular specialists do and when to see one helps patients make informed decisions about their care.
What Is a Vascular Surgeon?
A vascular surgeon is a vascular specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Vascular surgeons complete extensive training focused on the circulatory system, which qualifies them to perform both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Their scope of practice includes conditions such as peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and deep vein thrombosis, and consulting a specialist helps determine what can be done in each situation.
What Services Do They Offer?
Vascular surgeons offer a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with venous conditions, and diagnosis typically begins with an ultrasound. This non-invasive imaging technique maps blood flow and identifies areas of venous reflux, the backward flow of blood that causes veins to enlarge. The surgeon then determines which treatment approach aligns with the patient’s anatomy and symptoms.
Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate cases, physicians commonly recommend:
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade.
- Endovenous radiofrequency ablation: This technique uses radiofrequency energy to seal the vein.
- VenaSeal™ Closure System: A medical adhesive is delivered into the affected vein via a catheter, sealing it shut and redirecting blood flow.
What Are Varicose Vein Complications?
Varicose veins are not always painful in their early stages, which leads some patients to delay treatment. Sustained pressure from faulty valves causes pooled blood to accumulate. This damages surrounding tissue over time, and it initiates a progression that can lead to several complications.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a complication of long-standing varicose veins, and it presents with persistent leg swelling, skin discoloration, and a heavy or aching sensation in the lower limbs. Venous ulcers can develop. In advanced cases, these open sores form near the ankle and are slow to heal, impacting quality of life because the underlying venous pressure remains unresolved. Superficial thrombophlebitis is another complication; it occurs when a clot forms within a surface vein, causing localized redness, tenderness, and warmth.
How Are They Addressed?
The clinical approach to treating complications depends on the specific condition and its severity. Venous ulcers require specialized wound care, and clinicians may administer compression therapy to manage swelling. Because underlying venous reflux must be corrected to prevent recurrence, surgeons may address the damaged vein directly. Vascular surgeons monitor patients closely because superficial clots can extend into the deep veins, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Consult a Vascular Specialist Today
Varicose veins are a progressive condition; early evaluation by a vascular surgeon allows for timely treatment and helps prevent complications. Minimally invasive procedures offer effective results with shorter recovery times. If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, or varicose veins, schedule a consultation with a specialist to discuss your options.
