Żylaki, czyli przewlekła niewydolność żylna

Chronic Venous Insufficiency – Statistics

According to Statistics Poland (GUS), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most common cardiovascular conditions in the country. It is estimated that CVI affects 40–60% of women and 15–30% of men. Moreover, the prevalence of varicose veins increases with age. Symptoms appear in as many as one in five individuals under the age of thirty. More than half of middle-aged men and nearly 70% of women in the same age group report symptoms associated with the condition. This figure rises to 80% in people over the age of 60 [3]. Chronic venous insufficiency usually begins subtly. In the initial stage, small dilated intradermal and subdermal venous networks, commonly referred to as “spider veins,” may appear—typically around the ankles and in other areas of the lower limbs. Over time, persistent pathological changes develop in the subcutaneous tissue and skin. Abnormal venous outflow leads to the leakage of protein-rich fluid into the surrounding tissues, resulting in edema and an increased risk of thrombosis [4].

Varicose Veins – Symptoms

Many patients with chronic venous insufficiency report a sensation of leg heaviness, pain, and paresthesia (tingling, numbness). Night-time calf muscle cramps are also common, especially when edema is present, as well as dull pain during walking (venous claudication). Advanced degenerative changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue may lead to sensory nerve damage, thereby intensifying pain and paresthesia. Pain may precede the development of venous ulcers [5]. Notably, genetic predisposition also increases the risk of developing the condition; key factors include age, pregnancy, and obesity. Treatment typically begins with a consultation with a specialist. Additionally, this visit should include a Doppler ultrasound examination of the arteries or veins in the affected area. A well-conducted diagnostic assessment enables the selection of an appropriate treatment method tailored to the patient’s needs.

7 Principles for Healthy Veins

Preventing varicose veins in the lower limbs is based on several key principles that help reduce the risk of their development. Patients with existing varicose veins should engage in regular physical activity. Walking, swimming, cycling, and leg-strengthening exercises are particularly recommended. It is also advisable to change body position frequently and take short breaks for stretching and movement. Obesity places additional strain on the veins, so maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential. A diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals is beneficial, while excessive salt intake should be avoided, as it can lead to fluid retention. Wearing comfortable shoes with low heels supports better blood circulation in the legs. During rest, elevating the legs can facilitate venous return from the lower extremities. Adequate water intake also promotes circulation and overall vein health. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to varicose veins should have regular check-ups with a physician to monitor the condition of their venous system [6].

Varicose Veins – Treatment Methods

Adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and improve the overall condition of the lower limbs. However, when lifestyle modifications fail to deliver the desired outcomes, compression therapy may provide effective support. This includes the use of compression stockings, knee-highs, or pantyhose that are individually fitted to the patient’s needs. These garments offer significant relief to individuals suffering from varicose veins and help improve leg function. In addition, pain-relieving medications and drugs that enhance microcirculation are often prescribed. In cases where chronic venous insufficiency has developed, more advanced therapeutic interventions may be required.

Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Nearly all patients with varicose veins are eligible for endovenous laser treatment. This minimally invasive procedure involves accessing the inside of the vein. The skin is anesthetized with a small amount of local anesthetic solution, after which the surgeon, using an introducer, punctures the vein and inserts a laser fiber into its lumen. The fiber is positioned so that its tip reaches the highest point of the vein, usually in the groin area. Next, under ultrasound guidance, the surgeon injects tumescent anesthesia—commonly known as Klein’s solution—around the vein and activates the laser. The procedure is painless and does not leave scars; only small puncture marks may be visible. It typically takes around 30 minutes per leg. At the end of the treatment, the patient is fitted with compression stockings, which are generally recommended for four weeks . Additional procedures may include sclerotherapy and transdermal laser therapy for smaller superficial veins, such as spider veins and dilated reticular veins, in order to achieve optimal cosmetic results [7].

Sclerotherapy and RFITT

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting varicose veins or small spider veins with a solution that causes them to thrombose. The treated vein gradually disappears over time—the smaller the vein, the faster the process occurs. This can take anywhere from 14 days to 6 months. Another commonly used method for treating spider veins is the Nd:YAG laser. Its light energy is precisely targeted at the blood vessels without damaging the surrounding skin. Areas exposed to the laser may remain red for several days. The treatment is both highly effective and safe, making it suitable for removing visible veins on the entire body, including the face [8]. Another method of treating varicose veins is RFITT (Radiofrequency-Induced Thermal Therapy), which involves ablating the affected vein using radiofrequency energy. The procedure consists of sealing the vein responsible for varicosities with a radiofrequency-emitting probe inserted into the vessel lumen [9].

ClariVein® Method and Miniphlebectomy

ClariVein® is a novel, minimally invasive technique for treating varicose veins without the need for surgical or thermal intervention. The ClariVein® catheter was specifically designed for the treatment of lower limb veins, including both large and small saphenous veins, as well as venous junctions and other insufficient vessels. The procedure involves narrowing the vein using a rapidly rotating wire with a curved tip that moves along the inner wall of the vessel. Simultaneously, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein. The high-speed rotating tip evenly distributes the solution along the endothelium, inducing uniform sclerosis (closure) along the entire length of the treated vein. This method eliminates the risk of damage to surrounding nerves, skin, and subcutaneous tissue, as well as pain caused by heat—risks that are associated with laser or high-frequency radio wave catheters used in RF therapy [10]. Miniphlebectomy using the Muller technique involves the surgical removal of varicose veins that, for various reasons, are not suitable for endovenous treatment. It enables the effective removal of larger varices and serves as a valuable complement to other therapeutic methods [11].

Varicose Vein Treatment Requires the Support of Proper Medical Equipment

Procedures for treating chronic venous insufficiency are typically brief but require the patient to remain in a strictly controlled, immobilized position. Clinics that specialize in varicose vein treatment should be equipped with appropriate surgical tables. Such a table must ensure patient comfort during the procedure while also supporting the surgeon’s workflow by allowing ergonomic positioning—whether seated, standing, or in a leaning posture. The Famed FLARE vascular surgery table is fully compatible with C-arm X-ray systems and is ideal for minimally invasive vascular procedures. It features an ultra-thin, fully radiolucent, floating tabletop made of durable carbon fiber, which also facilitates effective disinfection [12].

Prevention Comes First

Preventive care for varicose veins is essential. It helps slow the progression of chronic venous insufficiency and the formation of varicosities, which may cause leg ulcers, thrombosis, or skin changes. Adopting a few simple habits—such as engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding prolonged standing, and wearing medical-grade compression stockings—can significantly improve leg health and reduce the risk of complications. After all, it’s better to prevent the problem while relaxing on a sun lounger than to treat it—even on a surgical table as comfortable as the Famed FLARE.

Sources:

[1] https://zpe.gov.pl/a/przeczytaj/DxmGNI4bM (access 01.06.2025)

[2] https://klinikaflebologii.pl/choroby/niewydolnosc-zylna-konczyn-dolnych/ (access 01.06.2025)

[3] https://stat.gov.pl (access 01.06.2025)

[4] https://enel.pl/enelzdrowie/zdrowie/jak-powstaja-zylaki-nog (access 01.06.2025)

[5] https://www.arsestetica.pl/blog/niewydolnosc-zylna-konczyn-dolnych/ (access 01.06.2025))

[6] https://orawczyk.com/jak-zapobiegac-zylakom/ (access 01.06.2025)

[7] https://www.krefftclinic.pl/usuwanie-zylakow/ (access 01.06.2025)

[8] https://www.krefftclinic.pl/usuwanie-zylakow/ (access 01.06.2025)

[9] https://www.krefftclinic.pl/uslugi/chirurgia-naczyniowa/ (access 01.06.2025)

[10] https://www.krefftclinic.pl/uslugi/chirurgia-naczyniowa/ (access 01.06.2025)

[11] https://www.krefftclinic.pl/uslugi/chirurgia-naczyniowa/ (access 01.06.2025)

[12] https://famed.com.pl/produkty/stoły- operacyjne/ (access 01.06.2025)

Operating tables

Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency