Cardiovascular Institute

Abnormal function of the lower extremity veins can lead to venous insufficiency, a condition that can cause varicose veins, leg swelling, and wounds of the legs that are persistent. Abnormalities of the lymphatic vessels can also cause leg swelling and wounds that are difficult to manage.

Most commonly, venous insufficiency affects the legs but on rare occasions can involve the arms. The arteries carry blood from the heart, through the legs, and on to the feet.  The veins return the blood back to the heart. The heart serves as the pump for the arterial blood, but the calf muscles provide the force that returns the venous blood back to the heart. The presence of one- way valves in the veins is crucial to the function of this system. When the vein valves fail, blood can travel in the reverse direction and increase the pressure in the veins. This condition is known as venous insufficiency and can lead to leg swelling, open wounds, and varicose veins.

At CVI, we offer the latest tools to diagnose and treat venous insufficiency. These include state-of-the art vascular lab studies to diagnose venous reflux; endovenous ablation procedures to close veins that have failed valves; sclerotherapy (with or without ultrasound guidance); and the latest in compression therapy techniques.