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Veinous Insufficiency

Cardiac & Vascular Interventions of New Jersey Our Services Veinous Insufficiency

Cardiac & Vascular Interventions of New Jersey

Interventional Vascular Specialists located in New Brunswick, NJ

Venous insufficiency is a circulatory problem that can lead to varicose veins and, in severe cases, venous ulcers. If you've got symptoms of venous insufficiency, Cardiac & Vascular Interventions of New Jersey in New Brunswick, New Jersey, can help. Dr. Zakir and his team use innovative, minimally invasive techniques such as phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, endovenous radiofrequency ablation, and the VenaSeal™ Closure System to treat the veins causing your symptoms. Call the office or request an appointment online today to learn more.

Veinous Insufficiency Q & A

What is venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency (or vein insufficiency) is a condition that affects the veins in your legs. Arteries going down your legs deliver blood rich with oxygen, fresh from your heart. Your veins return the blood from your feet back up your body so your heart can replenish the oxygen and start the cycle again.

However, pumping blood up your legs presents problems due to gravity. Therefore, you need something in your veins to stop blood from giving in to gravity, so it gets back around your body.

A key part of the system that keeps your blood flowing in the right direction is a series of valves in your veins. These valves are like tiny doorways that allow blood through one way but stop it from going the other way.

If the valves get too weak or damaged to work as they should, blood can trickle backward, resulting in venous insufficiency.

What symptoms does venous insufficiency cause?

One of the most common symptoms of venous insufficiency is the development of varicose veins in your legs. These are prominent, twisting veins that show through your skin in shades of red, blue, and purple. Venous insufficiency can make your legs feel:

  • Itchy
  • Painful
  • Tingly
  • Heavy
  • Sore
  • Fatigued
  • Burning

Your legs might throb, become restless at night, start cramping, or swell. Your skin might start to discolor.

Without treatment, venous insufficiency can worsen and cause serious complications like leg ulcers. These open, nonhealing wounds are challenging to treat, and in some cases, infected ulcers can lead to gangrene (tissue death).

What treatments are there for venous insufficiency?

Looking after your legs helps prevent venous insufficiency from getting worse. You should avoid standing or sitting for extended periods, and when you’re still, keep your feet and legs moving as much as possible.

Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and losing weight if you're overweight or obese are vital. Wearing compression stockings can also help support the veins as they pump blood back up your legs.

If you have varicose veins as a result of venous insufficiency, Dr. Zakir and his team offer a selection of effective, minimally invasive treatments, including:

  • Varithena™ sclerotherapy
  • VenaSeal™ vein closure system
  • ClosureFast™ endovenous radiofrequency ablation
  • Ambulatory (microhook) phlebectomy

VenaSeal™, Varithena™, and ClosureFast™ each cause diseased veins to close or collapse, so blood has to find a different route. The treated veins eventually disappear completely, absorbed into your body. Phlebectomy is suitable for larger veins that require removal.

To find out how these advanced treatments could address your venous insufficiency and varicose veins, call Cardiac & Vascular Interventions of New Jersey or book an appointment online today.