March 28, 2024

One Can Happen

The Healthy Lovers

Understanding the Venous System

What Is a Vein? Definition, Types and Illustration

Between 2-5% of the total population suffers from symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency, with at least 40% having some regurgitation in veins, causing conditions such as varicose veins. It is essential to have vein conditions checked because they can be a symptom of other severe underlying conditions. Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute offers comprehensive vein services in Alexandria to help treat and manage different venous complications.

Basic anatomy and physiology

We have three central systems of veins in the limbs.

·         The superficial veins, which are relatively low pressure systems.

·         The deep which are inside the muscle and they perforate the muscle fascia.

·         The Perforator veins which are also known as communicator veins because they link the superficial and deep veins.

Veins have valves that are bicuspid to make sure that there is a one-way flow of blood and usually swing shut if there is any back pressure of the blood. Valves are relatively thin inner folds of the tunica interna. In chronic villi insufficiency syndrome, valves do not function properly, leading to chronic venous hypertension that causes varicosity and other venous conditions.

Causes of chronic villi insufficiency

Some of the conditions that damage the valves and lead to chronic villi insufficiency include:

·         Deep venous thrombosis

This condition is associated with the formation of a blood clot around the valves. Deep venous thrombosis damage valves leading to the backflow of blood. If a superficial valve is affected, a cascade event is passed on to the other valves.

·         Phlebitis

Bacterial infection can cause inflammation in the veins, which is likely to damage valves, causing blood flow.

·         Congenital

Other times people are just born with inferior quality veins and valves. Some people are born without valves at all.

·         Chronic villi syndrome is most common in developed countries due to lifestyle factors. Increasing age, genetics, obesity, smoking, and pregnancy are other risk factors of the syndrome.

Treatment of chronic villi insufficiency syndrome

There are different treatment options for vein disease, which vary depending on the cause and include:

·         Cosmetic symptoms of chronic villi syndrome such as spider veins, require treatment procedures like sclerotherapy and laser treatments only.

·         When treating advanced venous insufficiency, your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment of the entire infra diaphragmatic venous system to determine the specific part that needs treatment.

·         For venous reflux occurring in the legs’ superficial veins, your care provider will close off the refluxing vein through various techniques and reroute the blood into healthy surrounding veins.

·         For pelvic venous hypertension caused by iliac vein obstruction which causes blood to leak into the legs through escape veins and may lead to pelvic congestion syndrome. Treating the obstruction usually involves embolizing the refluxing vein shut.

To comprehensively diagnose and treat your venous insufficiency in the legs, your doctor will perform a thorough assessment of the entire venous system. The condition may also be from other parts of the body, not just the legs. Therefore, your physician will choose to evaluate other parts of your body to recommend the right treatment option for you. Book an appointment at Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute today to get a thorough evaluation and treatment of your chronic villi insufficiency.