Imagine waking up one morning, eager to start your day. But as you swing your legs out of bed, you’re met with a heaviness that seems to drag you down – a persistent discomfort that refuses to be ignored.
As you go about your day, each step feels like a struggle as your ankles swell and your legs ache with every movement. Simple tasks that once brought you joy now feel like burdens, as you cope with the constant throbbing and fatigue in your legs.
You now avoid social gatherings and many of the activities you once loved, constantly aware of the unsightly varicose veins that mar your legs, feeling self-conscious and insecure about your appearance.
This is the reality for many people who suffer from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
CVI is like a traffic jam in your body’s highway system. Just as a congested road impedes the flow of traffic, weakened or damaged veins hinder the smooth circulation of blood from your legs back to your heart. This congestion leads to symptoms such as swelling, pain, fatigue, and visible varicose or spider veins.
CVI is a progressive disease that can worsen over time if left untreated. Not only does it cause discomfort and affect daily activities, but it can also lead to serious complications such as skin ulcers and blood clots. That’s why early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
At ECCO Medical, we understand the challenges of living with CVI, and we’re here to provide compassionate care and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when the valves in the veins become weakened or damaged, leading to a condition where blood flows backward and pools in the legs. But to really understand how this happens and what can be done about it, we need to understand what veins are in the first place and what purpose they serve.
Anatomy and Function of Veins
Veins play a crucial role in returning blood from the legs to the heart, working against gravity to ensure efficient circulation. This process relies on the proper functioning of valves within the veins, which prevent backward flow and maintain blood flow toward the heart.
“Veins bring blood from the feet back up to the heart for recirculation, working against gravity. They rely on having valves that prevent the backflow of the Venous blood to efficiently return the blood to the heart.”
Nurse Practitioner Kyle Odvody
But when the valves in the veins become weakened or damaged, the patient’s blood flows backward and instead pools in the legs. This results in increased pressure within the veins, causing symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, and skin changes.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
At ECCO Medical, we conduct thorough evaluations for patients presenting with symptoms of CVI. Our diagnostic process includes a comprehensive circulatory evaluation and an in-depth venous ultrasound. This allows us to accurately map out the patient’s venous system and identify any areas of malfunction.
Our non-invasive techniques allow us to assess the condition of the veins, identify any underlying issues, and formulate a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Advanced Treatment Options with ECCO Medical
ECCO Medical offers a range of advanced treatment options for CVI, focusing on minimally invasive procedures that provide effective results with minimal discomfort and downtime. These options include:
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): This procedure utilizes laser energy to heat and close off the affected vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
- VenaSeal™ Closure System: The VenaSeal™ procedure involves injecting a medical adhesive directly into the vein to seal it shut, eliminating the need for thermal energy.
- Foam Sclerotherapy: Foam sclerotherapy entails injecting a foam sclerosant into the affected vein to close it off and improve blood flow.
Outpatient Procedures and Recovery
One of the advantages of the treatments offered at ECCO Medical is that they are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. These minimally invasive procedures are conducted under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience for patients.
“The procedures we offer at ECCO Medical are completely outpatient, use local anesthetic, and allow you to walk out the same day of your procedure.”
NP Kyle Odvody
Following the procedure, patients receive comprehensive follow-up care, including assessments by our nursing staff and scheduled ultrasound evaluations to monitor progress.
Conclusion
Chronic Venous Insufficiency can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, symptoms can be managed with ease. At ECCO Medical, our team is committed to providing compassionate care and advanced treatment options for patients with CVI.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of CVI or have concerns about your venous health, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options and take the first step towards healthier veins and improved quality of life.
“We look forward to sitting down with you in consultation, and discussing your symptoms, and personalizing a treatment plan that helps improve your quality of life.”
Kyle Odvody, NP
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please click here.
