This is how varicose veins are removed
How are varicose veins removed?
Several easy-to-use options are available as a therapy to remove varicose veins. In general, a distinction is made between
- conservative / physical
- medicinal and
- surgical
Ways of treating varicose veins. Which method has the best effect on the individual patient depends on various factors. Both the extent and the cause of the varicose veins play a decisive role.
If possible, you should definitely move around a lot. Running / jogging, cycling and swimming are particularly suitable, as the muscle pumps of the calf muscles are specifically activated. As described in the topic of varicose veins, the so-called muscle pump facilitates and supports the return of the blood to the heart. Compression stockings for removing varicose veins or wrapping your legs with elastic bandages to reduce the diameter of the vessel accelerate the venous return flow.
Read more on the topic: Varicose veins
Remove varicose veins through surgical measures
Although physical and medication can help relieve symptoms of venous disorders, surgical (invasive) therapy is the only way to effectively remove varicose veins.
Here, the insufficient perforating veins, which connect the surface with the depth, are tied off or severed. The varicose veins can only be completely removed under certain conditions. For example, the supply of the area must be guaranteed even after the removal. The more advanced the stage, the more difficult this becomes. There are various procedures in surgery that can be used depending on the extent of the disease. The most frequently performed surgical measures to remove varicose veins are
- stripping (pulling varicose veins)
- the desolation
- the CHIVA method
- external valvuloplasty
- the laser therapy
Read more on the subject at: Surgery of varicose veins
What new methods are there?
The oldest and most proven method of vein removal is vein stripping (pulling varicose veins) and is still the method of first choice today. In the meantime, however, there are a number of other alternatives, most of which stand out due to their gentler approach. Usually, however, these are more indicated in the case of less advanced varicose veins. Two similar procedures are laser therapy and radio wave therapy. In each case, a probe is inserted into the vein from the ankle under the control of imaging using ultrasound and advanced to the affected varicose vein. There the vein and the connecting vein are heated from the inside using either a laser or radio waves until they are closed. The vein is therefore not removed, but deliberately destroyed from the inside. Little by little, the body breaks down the remains of the vein.
Another, completely different method for treating varicose veins is what is known as external valvuloplasty. Here, the mouth of the great saphenous vein (great saphenous vein) on the upper inner thigh is exposed and narrowed using a plastic sleeve. This strengthens the function of the valves and the vein does not have to be removed. With the CHIVA method, the varicose vein is searched for using ultrasound and the diseased sections are tied off so that they regress over time. CHIVA is the abbreviation for “Cure Conservatrice et Hémodynamique de I’Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire”, which translates as outpatient, blood flow correcting treatment of varicose veins.
1. Stripping
The so-called removal by a Stripping operation sees the complete or partial removal of the trunk vein in front. The skin veins and deep leg veins take over their function after the operation. The procedure is usually minimally invasive. This means that no large cuts are made, only small cuts are made. A flexible probe is then inserted into the varicose vein through these small incisions. The damaged vein can then be cut on both sides and removed.
This method in particular to remove varicose veins is considered particularly gentle and effective at the same time. At the Partial stripping are merely small sections of damaged veins pulled, while normal stripping removes a complete vein. The so-called "Cold therapy“ (Cryomethod) is a special variant of pulling varicose veins. With this method, the damaged vein is removed by inserting a special cold probe. During the surgical procedure, the affected varicose vein should freeze to the cold tube. It can then be removed quite easily. Each variant of the stripping operation can be both outpatient as well as inpatient be performed.
You can find more information about this procedure at: Surgery of varicose veins
2. Desolation
In the Desolation a special sclerosing agent is injected into the veins. In this way, inflammatory processes in the area of the veins are triggered in an artificial way (Phlebitis) and glued the vein walls together. Scarring of the veins can be observed after a while. In order to effectively remove the varicose veins using this treatment method, a Compression therapy done.
Need for a period of several hours to a few days continuously worn compression stockings become. In most cases, the varicose veins can do not remove it with a single application. For many of those affected, the Desolation repeated again after a while become.
3. CHIVA method
The so-called CHIVA method can also be used to remove unsightly varicose veins in a simple and gentle manner. During the surgical procedure, the attending physician localizes one Local anesthesia in the area of the pathologically altered vein sections. Identifying and locating these varicose veins is done by performing a Ultrasound examination. After the affected vein sections are identified, these are simply tied. After a certain time, the tied varicose veins recede completely or begin to cease to exist. This method can be used to remove varicose veins, however only with slight damage to the vein wall be applied. The CHIVA method is not suitable for pronounced varicose veins.
4. External valvuloplasty (EVP)
With this method, varicose veins can be removed by opening the mouth of the large superficial leg vein (Great saphenous vein) based on the Narrowed groin becomes. This narrowing happens via that Sewing in a cuff made of polyester. By reducing the size of the vein, the Function of the damaged venous valves restored become.
5. Remove varicose veins with laser
The removal of varicose veins with the laser is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. A small incision is made, usually in the area of the inner ankle, where the large superficial collecting vein (great saphenous vein) runs. The doctor inserts a thin probe into this and pushes it to the point where the affected connecting vein opens. The laser light can be emitted in a targeted manner via the probe and the vessel can be heated from the inside. As a result, the vein becomes deserted and closed.
The surrounding tissue is largely spared. The remainder of the vessel is broken down by the body over time. After the procedure, the patient should wear compression stockings daily for at least four weeks, as this can reduce the risk of swelling and the formation of blood clots. The removal of varicose veins with the laser is suitable for straight and not very advanced varicose veins. If the findings are more pronounced, classic vein stripping is usually preferable.
Removal of varicose veins without surgery
The following are possible:
- medicinal measures
and - physical measures
Remove varicose veins through physical therapy
Physical measures in patients suffering from varicose veins are usually less about removing the protruding veins than about removing them Relief of symptoms caused by varicose veins. They were found to be particularly effective extensive massage units in the area of the legs. These can either be done manually (manually) or with the help of so-called Overpressure cuffs (apparatus) be performed.
Another physical method that can be used to remove varicose veins is to do them regularly cold lower leg casts. In addition, many of the affected patients describe this so-called treading water as particularly helpful. It also serves Increased walking, walking, or water aerobics to remove varicose veins or rather to alleviate their symptoms. The reason for this is the fact that the increased blood flow and an increase in muscle activity in the legs can have a positive effect on the condition of the veins.
Already 10 minutes a dayin which the muscles of the legs are extensively challenged, improve the performance of the veins and even effectively prevent varicose veins. Especially in advanced stages, the consistent wearing of Compression stockings help remove varicose veins, or rather prevent them from increasing. By compressing the legs, the muscle pumps and work Venous valves facilitated.
An important effect of the compression stockings is that Suppression of reflux of blood from the deep into the superficial venous system. Suitable compression stockings to remove varicose veins are in different strengths offered.
The individual strength and length required by each patient is measured in a medical specialist shop. However, when using this method, care must be taken to ensure that the The compression stockings are not worn for more than 6 months may be. After this time the stocking is no longer able to build up enough pressure and has to replaced by a new one become.
Remove varicose veins through drug therapy
In addition to physical treatment options, some patients swear by various drugs that are designed to help remove varicose veins. Such venous agents are in the form of
- Anoint
- Creams
- Gels or
- Sprays
offered. There are also various tablets and capsules that contain the Improve the condition of the veins and to alleviate the symptoms caused by varicose veins. In most cases, however, drug treatment can only take the form of a Companion therapy be applied. The effectiveness of medicines for varicose veins without further action is plain too low. The most commonly used substances include:
- buckeye
- red vine leaves
- arnica and
- Butcher's broom
Diuretics (popularly as Water tablets known), are supposed to flush the water out of the body and represent a rather short-term form of therapy of varicose veins. This Medication should help Edema (Water retention in the tissue) to prevent.
Home remedies for varicose veins
Many people suffer from varicose veins, and there are a few things you can do yourself to prevent them from occurring, or at least to prevent them from getting worse. The most important and most effective means is regular exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming or other sports with leg participation. A proven home remedy for varicose veins or to prevent their occurrence are alternating baths. To do this, you should carefully shower your legs in the shower in the morning with cold water. You start with your feet and slowly go up your legs with the shower jet. This stimulates the function of the veins and their valves and improves the return of blood to the heart.
Wrapping the legs can also be seen as a home remedy and is another important measure for treating varicose veins. However, you can do a lot wrong here (too tight, too loose or using the wrong technique), so this can only be done professionally by an experienced person should be carried out. Custom-made compression stockings prescribed by the doctor are more suitable.
With regard to other home remedies, you can find a variety of mostly herbal preparations that you can either buy or, in some cases, make yourself. These are mostly intended for rubbing on the legs and not for ingestion. However, it must first be mentioned that there is no sufficient scientific evidence of the effectiveness of any of these agents. A very frequently used home remedy are extracts from horse chestnuts. You can easily make these yourself by collecting chestnuts, chopping them up and then filling a bottle up to halfway. Then you fill the bottle with high percentage alcohol (preferably> 90vol% from the pharmacy) and put it in a sunny place for four weeks. You can then rub the legs regularly with the resulting product.
Other possible home remedies are extracts from grape seeds, beeswax and brandy to rub in and elderflower juice to drink. Even if there is no proven benefit, these home remedies can safely be used supportively. However, the important basic measures for varicose veins - movement and compression - should not be neglected. In addition, the above measures and home remedies can have a positive effect on the symptoms and counteract any deterioration, but once varicose veins have developed, they cannot regress. The removal of the varicose veins can ultimately only be achieved through medical intervention.
Varicose veins and homeopathy
Of course, varicose veins can also be treated with homeopathic medicines. Please read on: Homeopathy for varicose veins.
Compression shrinkage
In addition to physical activity, the regular wearing of compression stockings is the most important measure for accompanying treatment and for preventing relapse in varicose veins. The stockings are prescribed by the doctor. The prescription is redeemed in a medical supply store, where the legs are measured and, if necessary, stockings are made to measure. Wearing the compression stockings supports the leg muscle pump. Every time the calf muscles are tensed (for example when walking), blood is pushed out of the legs towards the heart.
Wearing the compression stockings also reduces the leakage of fluid into the tissue. It is important to wear the stockings according to the doctor's instructions and that they are put on correctly. This is best done lying down and make sure that no constrictions or wrinkles remain. Elderly and needy people may need the support of relatives or a care service.
Read more on the topic: Compression stockings
What is the cost of varicose vein removal?
The cost of varicose vein removal depends on several factors. On the one hand, there are several different methods, each of which is more complex and therefore also different in terms of costs. In addition, factors affecting the patient are decisive. Some patients have only slightly developed varicose veins, while others are at an advanced stage, which leads to an increase in the effort and thus to an increase in costs.
When comparing the usual treatment methods, vein stripping (pulling varicose veins) is usually the most cost-effective alternative. Since these are basically always borne by the health insurance company, no precise statement can be made about the amount. The other methods such as laser or radio wave treatment often have to be paid for yourself and the costs are usually between € 800 and € 2000.
What does the health insurance company pay?
In the case of medically diagnosed varicose veins for which there is a medical justification for treatment, both statutory and private health insurances usually cover the costs. However, for those with statutory health insurance, only classic vein stripping is usually adopted as the most tried and tested and cheapest method. In the case of private patients, the costs for other procedures such as laser treatment can also be borne in some cases.
You should inquire about this in advance at the health insurance company. In addition, the costs for the removal of varicose veins that are not medically relevant are generally not covered. This is the case, for example, if there are only so-called “spider tears”. This is an expansion of the smallest skin veins that can precede varicose veins. However, if varicose veins begin or are threatened, the health insurance company usually pays the cost of compression stockings.
