Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

Authors: Suman W Rathbun Angelia C Kirkpatrick

Publish Date: 2007/05/18

Volume: 9, Issue: 2, Pages: 115-126

PDF Link

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency CVI results from venous hypertension secondary to superficial or deep venous valvular reflux Treatment modalities are aimed at reducing venous valvular reflux thereby inhibiting the ensuing pathologic inflammatory process Compression therapy using pumps bandaging and/or graded compression stockings is the mainstay of treatment for CVI Compression therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing venous hypertension retarding the development of inflammation and pathologic skin changes Pharmacologic agents such as diuretics and topical steroid creams reduce swelling and pain short term but offer no longterm treatment advantage Herbal supplements may reduce the inflammatory response to venous hypertension but are not licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration and vary in their efficacy quality and safety However several randomized controlled trials using the herbal horse chestnut seed extract containing aescin have shown shortterm improvement in signs and symptoms of CVI Endovascular and surgical techniques aimed at treatment of primary and secondary venous valvular reflux have been shown to improve venous hemodynamics promoting healing of venous ulcers and improving quality of life The newer endovascular treatments of varicose veins using laser radiofrequency ablation and chemical foam sclerotherapy show some promise

Keywords: