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What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when valves in your veins are not working properly, making it challenging for blood to flow back to the heart. When this happens, blood collects and pools in the veins. If the condition is left untreated, you may encounter the following issues:

  • Cramps
  • Leg ulcers
  • Pain
  • Skin changes
  • Swelling
  • Varicose veins

While CVI is not a severe health risk, it is still recommended to consult a medical professional about the condition as it can be painful and disabling, affecting your quality of life.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Who Are At Risk Of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Who Are At Risk Of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Patients with the following risk factors are more susceptible to developing CVI:

  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Age over 50 years old
  • BMI above 30
  • Patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Patients with varicose veins or a family history of varicose veins
  • Pregnant women and women who have given birth

If you possess one or more of the risk factors listed above, we recommend undergoing a venous insufficiency scan.

What To Expect During A Venous Insufficiency Ultrasound Scan?

A venous insufficiency scan is a non-invasive and painless imaging procedure that utilises ultrasound technology (high-frequency sound waves) to produce images of the veins in your legs. Rest assured that the entire process emits no radiation and is safe, even for pregnant women.

Before The Scan

On the day of the procedure, we recommend wearing a comfortable pair of pants that can be removed easily, as you will be required to remove them to allow the medical professional to scan your legs, starting from the groin area. An ultrasound gel will be applied to the areas to be scanned. Rest assured that the gel is water-based and hypoallergenic.

During The Scan

You will be requested to lie on the scanning couch before the vascular specialist/technologist applies the gel to your legs. Subsequently, they will utilise an ultrasound transducer (a small, hand-held wand) to obtain images of your blood vessels.

The entire scanning procedure usually takes around 5-10 minutes to complete. Afterwards, the medical professional will provide you with a towel to wipe off any remaining gel.

Insufficiency-Ultrasound-Scan
Care Tips For Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Care Tips For Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Immediate and continuous treatment is necessary to treat CVI and restore the veins to health. As such, your doctor will often recommend you make lifestyle adjustments to alleviate the condition, such as elevating your legs whenever possible and keeping them raised on a pillow during sleep.

Additionally, you may be requested to wear compression stockings whenever you have to stand or walk for extended periods, although the stocking is not worn during sleep. Recommended care tips for the stockings include handwashing them regularly and avoiding direct sunlight when drying them. You will also be reminded to change your compression stockings frequently, usually every 3 to 6 months.

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