Chronic Venous
Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in your legs weaken, preventing blood from flowing properly and causing it to pool. At Advanced Vascular, Dr. Banerjee specializes in diagnosing this condition and providing personalized treatment options to improve your vascular health. Contact Advanced Vascular today for expert care in managing chronic venous insufficiency.
Most patients with CVI remain undiagnosed and untreated. It is estimated that people live with CVI for up to 35 years before seeking treatment.
What is chronic venous
insufficiency?
Your veins contain small valves that help direct blood flow toward your heart. Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when these valves and the walls of your veins weaken, impairing circulation. As a result, blood may move more slowly, flow backward, or collect in certain vein segments. Although it can develop anywhere in your body, it is most commonly found in the legs.
Several factors increase your risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency. As you age, your vein valves naturally become weaker. This risk is heightened if you spend many hours each day sitting still or if your job requires standing for extended periods.
Moreover, deep vein thrombosis— a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein — also plays a role in the development of this condition.
How to learn if you have vein disease
An ultrasound scan is the only definitive way to diagnose vein disease. A technician uses this test to get an image of the inside of your leg veins. A doctor will review the test results to determine if the valves inside the veins are working properly. Although insurance coverage varies by individual plan and the severity of disease, MOST insurance carriers, including Medicare, will cover necessary clinical tests (like an ultrasound test) that are done to help your doctor diagnose or rule out a suspected illness or condition.
How did I get it?
Possible genetic risk factors:
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop the disease.
- Family History
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Age
- Pregnancy
What can I do about it?
This disease is common — and treatable!
Your doctor will put together your treatment plan based on:
• Ultrasound test results
• A history and physical that focuses on your symptoms, family history, and lifestyle factors
Treatment options
Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) depends on how advanced it is, but the main goal is alwats to improve circulation, reduce swelling, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications like ulcers.
Compression stockings
Lifestyle modifications
- Closing the affected vein w a minimally invasive procedure thermal vein closure
- VenaSeal™
- Sclerotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
CVI is a long-term condition where the veins in the legs do not allow blood to flow back to the heart efficiently. This leads to blood pooling in the legs, causing swelling, discomfort, and skin changes.
What causes CVI?
- Damaged or weakened vein valves
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Varicose veins
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Long periods of standing or sitting
Can CVI be cured?
- While CVI is a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed and symptoms significantly reduced with the right treatment. Early intervention helps prevent complications like ulcers.
How is CVI diagnosed?
- A detailed physical exam
- Medical history review
- Duplex ultrasound to check blood flow and valve function in leg veins
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