Venous Ulcers
What causes them?
Venous ulceration are skin wounds lesions that form in the legs. The main cause of venous ulcers is venous insufficiency or abnormal function of the valves inside the veins. The most common location of these ulcers is in the medial (inner) lower part of the calf above the ankle. Occasionally can form in the external aspect of the leg as well.
These lesions are the consequence of long history of vein disease and are seen on patients with advance venous insufficiency. In these patients the pressure inside the veins is higher than the pressure inside the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the skin. There is edema (swelling) and extravasations of blood in the area. The skin changes color and becomes brown or purple. Often becomes thick, dry and itchy. Eventually there is breakdown of the skin. Due to the lack of oxygen, these ulcers quickly get infected and can take a very long time to heal.
Before and After Pictures
Before
After
How are they treated?
The treatment is complex. Involves the control of the infection and the debridement of the damaged tissue. However the mainstay of the treatment will involve the elimination of the underline problem: venous insufficiency.
At the Heart and Vein Center we use several approaches to treat venous insufficiency including Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy and compression therapy.
Over the years we have successfully treated many patients with venous ulceration with great success. Our comprehensive approach starts with a comprehensive evaluation and examination. We then delineate a plan tailored to the patient. We take our time to educate the patients so they can actively participate in the healing and recovery and more important, to prevent recurrences.
We are proud of our program and results.
If you or any loved one suffers from venous ulcers, call us and make an appointment for a consultation, the sooner we start, the faster the recovery! We have the experience and the knowledge to deliver great results.