PATIENT EXPERIENCES: Successful Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency with Endovenous Ablation

Age: 58
Gender: Male

Background: A 58-year-old male patient had a history of lower extremity ulcers determined to be caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

A common but often overlooked condition, CVI can lead to non-healing lower extremity ulcers, which account for a substantial portion of wound care cases.

Clinical Presentation: The patient complained of non-healing lower extremity ulcers that had persisted for several months. Despite standard wound care interventions, his ulcers showed minimal improvement.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

1. Ultrasound Evaluation: The patient underwent a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation of his lower extremities. These findings confirmed the presence of chronic venous insufficiency as an underlying cause of his non-healing ulcers.

2. Endovenous Ablation: Based on the ultrasound findings, the decision was made to proceed with endovenous ablation to treat the CVI.

Endovenous ablation has evolved into a highly effective treatment for CVI. The procedure involves the insertion of a thin catheter into the affected veins. This is followed by the application of thermal or laser energy to close the diseased veins.

By addressing the root cause of CVI, endovenous ablation promotes improved venous circulation.

Outcome: The patient achieved a remarkable transformation through endovenous ablation. His non-healing ulcers began to heal rapidly.

Characteristics of Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Chronic venous insufficiency results from venous reflux and impaired valve function within the lower extremities.

Venous reflux causes blood to flow backward, leading to venous congestion, increased pressure and impaired venous return. This, in turn, results in edema, reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and compromised wound granulation.

Discussion: This case emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of lower extremity ulcers and its profound impact on healing.

It is noteworthy that up to 90% of lower extremity ulcers seen in wound care clinics are related to chronic venous insufficiency. Addressing CVI through interventions such as endovenous ablation can lead to wound contraction and eventual closure.

Endovenous ablation achieves improved patient outcomes and an enhanced quality of life. This reaffirms the value of addressing CVI in patients with lower extremity ulcers.

Contact The Vein Specialists for more information about endovenous ablation or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Magnant, Southwest Florida’s leading vein specialist.