REGULAR CONTENT
Final ID
665
Type
Educational Exhibit-Poster Only
Authors
K Sierra1, R Faulkiner1, F Francis1
Institutions
1St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Pontiac, MI
Purpose
To review the clinical and technical aspects of treating varicose veins. Topics to be covered include lower extremity venous anatomy, patient selection, ultrasound interpretation, Endoveneous Laser Therapy (EVLT), and post procedure follow.
Materials & Methods
Varicose veins are a result of venous insufficiency, i.e., backflow and pooling of venous blood in the superficial leg veins due to damaged valves. These damaged valves prevent forward flow of blood into the deep venous system and ultimately back to the heart. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is one commonly used treatment for varicose veins. Extensive expertise with ultrasound and percutaneous venous access make Interventional Radiology (IR) one of the most qualified specialties to perform this procedure. It is important for residents interested in IR to understand the basics of venous ablation as it becomes an important aspect of a complete IR practice.
Results
We plan to illustrate the deep and superficial lower extremity venous system as well as review the pathophysiology and symptoms of venous insufficiency. We will depict and summarize the interpretation of venous insufficiency on ultrasound and the technical aspects of EVLT. Lastly, we will discuss post procedure and follow up care.
Conclusions
It is important for residents interested in IR to have a basic understanding of how to treat venous insufficiency. Both the technical and clinical aspects of endovenous ablation for varicose veins are important for successful treatment. The workup of a patient for potential endovenous ablation requires the IR physician to diagnose, treat, and follow up the patient. Endovenous ablation provides yet another opportunity for IR practices to expand into a potentially new patient population.
Final ID
665
Type
Educational Exhibit-Poster Only
Authors
K Sierra1, R Faulkiner1, F Francis1
Institutions
1St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Pontiac, MI
Purpose
To review the clinical and technical aspects of treating varicose veins. Topics to be covered include lower extremity venous anatomy, patient selection, ultrasound interpretation, Endoveneous Laser Therapy (EVLT), and post procedure follow.
Materials & Methods
Varicose veins are a result of venous insufficiency, i.e., backflow and pooling of venous blood in the superficial leg veins due to damaged valves. These damaged valves prevent forward flow of blood into the deep venous system and ultimately back to the heart. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is one commonly used treatment for varicose veins. Extensive expertise with ultrasound and percutaneous venous access make Interventional Radiology (IR) one of the most qualified specialties to perform this procedure. It is important for residents interested in IR to understand the basics of venous ablation as it becomes an important aspect of a complete IR practice.
Results
We plan to illustrate the deep and superficial lower extremity venous system as well as review the pathophysiology and symptoms of venous insufficiency. We will depict and summarize the interpretation of venous insufficiency on ultrasound and the technical aspects of EVLT. Lastly, we will discuss post procedure and follow up care.
Conclusions
It is important for residents interested in IR to have a basic understanding of how to treat venous insufficiency. Both the technical and clinical aspects of endovenous ablation for varicose veins are important for successful treatment. The workup of a patient for potential endovenous ablation requires the IR physician to diagnose, treat, and follow up the patient. Endovenous ablation provides yet another opportunity for IR practices to expand into a potentially new patient population.