Overview
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that affects the veins in the legs. It occurs when the veins in the legs become damaged and cannot transport blood efficiently back to the heart. It most commonly occurs when the valves in the leg veins do not work well. Valves normally prevent blood from flowing backwards.
Over time, blood accumulates in the leg veins, resulting in several complications if left untreated.
Causes
Risk Factors
Symptoms of CVI may include:
Complications
Detection & Treatment
CVI is diagnosed by history and physical examination. A venous duplex ultrasound may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment is aimed at improving blood flow in the veins.
In mild cases, this may include simple measures such as:
Graduated compression stockings may also be prescribed by your doctor.
Compression stockings compress the legs (with greatest amount of pressure at the ankles) and help to improve blood flow in the leg veins.
If required, your doctor may prescribe medication to improve the symptoms.
Care Management
Skin care is an important aspect in managing CVI. Individuals with CVI are prone to skin irritation/inflammation and soft tissue infections.
Skin care includes:
If you have stasis dermatitis (skin irritation caused by CVI), doctors may also prescribe a steroid cream to help with itching and inflammation.
Some patients may require a course of antibiotics for soft tissue infection.
If these measures do not adequately relieve your symptoms, you may be referred to the Vascular Surgeon for further management. Treatment may include minimally invasive procedures to close off the damaged veins.
Specialties & Services
