Reducing Blood Clot Risk With Varicose Veins Treatment

Blood clots are a potentially life-threatening event that may requires urgent medical attention. Clots can occur in two zones of leg veins, the deep and the superficial. Deep veins reside internally near the leg bones and provide a direct pathway to the central circulation of the heart and lungs, and when a clot occurs in these veins (DVT), blood thinning medication is generally required to prevent complications related to the clot traveling.

Small superficial clots (known as phlebitis), while painful, usually are not threatening unless they progress to involve the deep vein system. It is necessary to understand the extent of the clot which is why and ultrasound examination is so valuable. Medications such as Motrin, Advil or Ibuprofen are very effective at easing the pain of superficial clots.

Varicose veins are a recognized risk factor for developing phlebitis because the normal flow in the veins is disrupted when they become varicose. These protruding surface veins often cause symptoms of aching, leg fatigue, swelling and even lower leg skin discoloration due to the elevated pressures within the veins. Clots that develop within varicose veins can become extensive and elevate the risk for spread to the deep veins. Close observation and medical attention is advisable.

Due to the progressive nature of varicose veins and the risks associated with no treatment, we suggest an evaluation with examination and duplex ultrasound to detail the extent of the venous disease. Fortunately, treatment of varicose veins with VNUS Closure or Venaseal is a low risk and highly effective, durable option that can markedly ease the symptoms of venous insufficiency and also reduce the risk of clot formation. Eliminating the venous reflux (backflow) normalizes the vein circulation as other functional veins take over.

Occasionaly we perform phlebectomy of surface veins to further reduce symptoms. All of the venous procedures are office based and performed under local anesthesia which allow return to most normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

Learn more about blood clots and their relationship to varicose veins by scheduling an evaluation with your local vascular surgery expert who can help you understand the advisability of treatment.