Varicose Veins

Excerpt

Varicose veins are characterized by subcutaneous dilated, tortuous veins greater than or equal to three millimeters, involving the saphenous veins, saphenous tributaries, or non-saphenous superficial leg veins with age and family history considered important risk factors. Varicose veins are considered a common clinical manifestation of chronic venous disease. Notwithstanding the cosmetic challenges with varicose veins, the associated superficial axial venous reflux should be evaluated. Accordingly, great and small saphenous vein reflux exclusion is part of the primary diagnostic management. Varicose vein entity includes a vast majority of clinical and pathological manifestations, from limited leg discomfort to swelling and non-healing ulcers.