Varicose Veins

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Varicose (VAR-i-kos) veins are veins that are enlarged, twisted, and swollen. Veins are blood vessels that bring blood from your body back to your heart. Veins have valves (stoppers) that open and close to keep the blood flowing in one direction. Varicose veins are often seen in the legs, but may occur in other parts of the body. If the valves in the veins do not work properly, blood may not flow toward the heart. This increases pressure in the vein causing it to stretch, enlarge, swell, and become twisted. Varicose veins are commonly seen in the aged, pregnant women, smokers, and those who are overweight. Standing or sitting for long periods of time may varicose veins worse.
  
  
• You may see bluish or purplish, snake-like veins under your skin that may bulge. Leg pain, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and muscle cramps may also be present. Varicose veins, particularly of the legs, may be diagnosed through a physical exam. A test called a doppler ultrasound or duplex scan may be done. Treatment aims to decrease symptoms, improve appearance, and prevent further problems. This may include some changes in lifestyle, use of pressure stockings, or through other procedures. With treatment, more serious problems of varicose veins may be prevented and your quality of life improved.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Some varicose vein treatments cause side effects. You could bleed too much with surgery or get an infection. You may have numbness or bruising at the area where the varicose vein was treated. Even with treatment, they may come back. If left untreated, varicose veins may cause leg pains, which may affect your daily activities. Sometimes, ulcers may form on the skin near varicose veins because of too much pressure inside the veins. If you develop ulcers, you should see your caregiver at once. The success of treating varicose veins is best when they are controlled and treated as soon as possible. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your condition, care, or treatment.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Doppler ultrasound: This is a test that uses sound waves to see your veins on a TV-like screen. A doppler ultrasound study may also be called a duplex scan. Caregivers look for clots in the veins near the area of your pain and redness. You also may be able to hear your blood flow during this test.

Treatment options:

• Ablation: Using an ultrasound to guide them, caregivers insert a catheter (tube) into your vein. This catheter gives off heat through radiofrequency (RF) or laser energy.
  
  
• Phlebectomy: This surgery, also called avulsion, is done to remove big varicose veins.
  
  
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy: Caregivers make small cuts in your skin and pull out the affected vein using a hook or forceps.
    
    
  • Powered phlebectomy: A mechanical device with a blade that rotates is used to destroy the varicose vein. Vein pieces are then removed by suction connected to the device.
  
  
• Sclerotherapy: This procedure is done to seal a varicose vein. Your caregiver injects a solution into your vein. This solution causes the vein walls to swell and close, preventing blood from going through. This procedure may be done with the use of ultrasound to guide caregivers.
  
  
• Stripping: The affected vein is tied off to stop blood from flowing through it. It is then stripped (removed) out of the leg using a wire, plastic, or metal rod.

Vital signs:

Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Varicose Veins (Inpatient Care)