Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disorders

The most common venous disorders are varicose veins and thrombosis. Varicose veins can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and phlebitis, while thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications.

At our practice, we offer modern diagnostic and treatment methods for the most common venous disorders. Our minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are all performed on an outpatient basis by our experienced specialist.

Diagnostics

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Varicose Veins

Treatment of Venous Thrombosis

Color-Coded Ultrasound

High-resolution ultrasound techniques, such as duplex sonography, provide a detailed view of the veins. These techniques are noninvasive and reduce the need for X-ray examinations, thereby lowering radiation exposure. This allows the physician to obtain an accurate overview of the functional status of the venous system and to precisely locate and document venous thromboses.

In cases where the situation is unclear, additional functional tests may be performed.

Medical Treatments

If conservative treatments such as increased physical activity and wearing compression stockings are not sufficient, a significant reduction in symptoms can often be achieved through minimally invasive treatments.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a cornerstone of minimally invasive procedures for treating varicose veins. This method has established itself as a gentle alternative to traditional surgical removal of varicose veins.

Phlebectomy, also known as the “hook method,” is a minimally invasive procedure for removing collateral branches of the trunk veins.

These two methods are often combined with foam sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a special foam containing a sclerosing agent is injected into the affected vein. This foam displaces the blood from the vein and irritates the vein wall, leading to a controlled inflammatory response. As a result, the vein walls adhere to one another and the vein closes off. Over time, the body breaks down the closed vein and replaces it with connective tissue. This allows for the additional treatment of any remaining branch segments.

 

Cosmetic Treatments

Liquid sclerotherapy is an effective and proven method for treating spider veins. A thorough examination should be conducted before treatment to rule out any underlying vein problems. Since this is generally a cosmetic procedure, the costs are usually not covered by health insurance.

 

Treatment of Venous Thrombosis

If a deep vein thrombosis in the arm or leg is present, blood-thinning medication must be started immediately. This can prevent the thrombosis from growing and leading to pulmonary embolisms. Blood-thinning medication also helps the clot shrink or, in the best-case scenario, dissolve.

If there is significant swelling, wearing compression stockings may be helpful.

In cases of superficial venous thrombosis (“phlebitis”), whether anticoagulant medication is necessary depends on the extent of the condition and its proximity to the junction with the deep venous system. In some cases, local measures such as the application of a cooling gel may be sufficient.