What is Venous Reflux?

Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close assisting in the return of blood from the legs to the heart:
  • When these valves no longer function, the blood begins to travel in both directions. This leads to the pooling of blood in the legs. ​
  • As a result of venous reflux, the veins in the legs begin to enlarge, lose form, protrude and become visible under the skin as varicose veins.

What are the Factors?
The following contribute to the development of venous reflux and varicose veins:
  • ​Age (>40 years)
  • Gender
  • Family history
  • Heavy lifting
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Obesity
  • Prolonged standing

Can it be treated?

Thanks to modern technology, venous reflux and varicose veins can now be treated with a minimally invasive procedure known as ClosureFast. Not only is this procedure quick and relatively painless, as opposed to surgery, but it has also shown great success rates with nearly a 95% reflux free rate at 5 years follow up. 

Is This a Cosmetic Issue?

Varicose veins are NOT a cosmetic issue as is commonly believed. If left untreated, they can progress over time to more serious problems such as:
  • Leg or ankle swelling
  • Leg heaviness and fatigue
  • Burning or itching of the skin
  • Restless legs
  • Skin changes/ pigmentation
  • Skin ulceration (ulcers/sores/open wounds)

​Venous Reflux Progression

​Venous reflux is a medical condition which progresses over time into a more serious medical condition called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). The increased pressure inside the veins, secondary to pooling of the blood in the legs, leads to varicose veins.

1 Normal  |  2 Spider Veins | 3 Varicose Veins | 4 Edema | 5 Venous Ulceration 

​Globally, more than 190 million people are diagnosed with varicose veins or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). More than 30 million people are affected in the United States. Many individuals remain untreated.

​Education and taking care of our health is ​critical for our well-being.
Complete our vein screening today to help start the road to recovery.

H​ow are Conditions Diagnosed?

​Venous reflux and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) are diagnosed by Dr. Ramaswami in the office using non-invasive ultrasound examination. The test takes around 30 minutes and is the gold-standard for diagnosing the site and severity of venous reflux in the veins of the leg. 
Dr. Ramaswami will also take a detailed history and do a thorough physical examination to ensure problems are not caused by something else.
​It is therefore prudent to see a vein specialist to get varicose veins treated.​