“Varicose veins” and “thrombosis” are the most widely recognized vein diseases among the public. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart, where it can be re-oxygenated in the lungs—our vital life source. A phlebologist (vein specialist) is familiar with vein diseases and the specific diagnostic methods used to assess a patient’s risk profile. This includes the diagnosis of thrombosis, with or without accompanying pulmonary embolism, the diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disease, and an overview of congenital and acquired vein changes (such as malformations). These are all key components of vascular medicine for veins.

Treatment of varicose vein disease in the extremities can be carried out using conventional surgery (crossectomy and stripping, removal of side branches) under short general anesthesia, or with catheter-based procedures (laser therapy for varicose veins) under local anesthesia (TLA – tumescent local anesthesia). In rare cases, foam sclerotherapy may also be used for larger veins.

Treatment of deep and superficial vein thrombosis (thrombosis and thrombophlebitis) is primarily managed with conservative therapies, and in rare cases may involve surgical interventions (operative thrombectomy – removal of clots).

Treatment of reticular varicose veins (small skin veins) and spider veins (tiny surface veins) using sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy.