Martha Jefferson Monday: Varicose Veins

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Many of us have heard of varicose veins and recognize them if we see them. But what exactly are they?

According to Dr. Lewis Owens, a vascular surgeon at Martha Jefferson Hospital, "true varicose veins are lumpy, bumpy bulges that can actually palpate under the skin."

They are caused by faulty valves in our veins.

"When you have some defect or abnormality in the valves or the vein wall itself, it allows the blood to reflux backward as opposed to going toward the heart," said Owens.

But there are fixes. Sometimes, an injection of medicine can do the trick. For more complex cases, new technologies are used and a simple outpatient procedure can take care of the problem.

"Treatment of varicose veins over the last decade has probably been most revolutionized by the advancements in ultrasound technologies," said Owens.

Using images on a screen to navigate, doctors will use a catheter, or small tube, to reach the problem area. Heat is then used to "ablate" or close down the effected pathway, forcing blood to go another rouse so you will feel better.

If you would like to find out more information on this topic, call Health Connection at (434) 654-7009.

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