Varicose veins are essentially the enlargement of the veins. They occur when the valves within the veins fail to prevent blood from flowing backward. Over time, this backward flow causes blood to pool in the leg veins, leading to further vein dilation.
Varicose veins are a common condition today and are largely influenced by genetics. Individuals with a family history of varicose veins have a significantly higher risk of developing them. Additionally, people who spend long periods standing or sitting are more prone to varicose veins. The condition most commonly affects the legs, and individuals who remain standing for more than four hours a day have a 2.7 times higher risk of developing varicose veins compared to others.
Varicose veins are essentially the enlargement of the veins. They occur when the valves within the veins fail to prevent blood from flowing backward. Over time, this backward flow causes blood to pool in the leg veins, leading to further vein dilation.
Varicose veins are a common condition today and are largely influenced by genetics. Individuals with a family history of varicose veins have a significantly higher risk of developing them. Additionally, people who spend long periods standing or sitting are more prone to varicose veins. The condition most commonly affects the legs, and individuals who remain standing for more than four hours a day have a 2.7 times higher risk of developing varicose veins compared to others.
In traditional varicose vein treatment, affected veins were surgically removed. Today, modern techniques render these veins inactive instead of removing them. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the inactive veins, making this approach more natural and less invasive.
The choice of modern treatment depends on the type and location of the varicose veins. For enlarged veins in the capillaries, foam sclerotherapy is used to shrink the veins, or superficial veins are treated with laser therapy without damaging the skin.
When varicose veins are visible on the surface, a catheter is inserted into the vein with the help of ultrasound guidance. The affected vein is then treated using laser, radiofrequency, or steam ablation, effectively destroying it. The body then absorbs the treated vein, completing the procedure successfully. Most patients can return home on the same day.
Prof. Dr. Ali Civelek
**Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist