Glossary
This section includes a glossary of the terms commonly associated with spider veins, varicose veins and vascular disease. The brief definitions in this section provide a general overview and are not intended to provide specific medical advice. Some of the terms used here are described in more detail in various sections throughout our site.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): A weakening of the abdominal portion of the aorta, the largest blood vessel leading out of the heart. These are usually undetectable by the patient. Screening for high-risk individuals can help identify AAAs before they become life-threatening.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: The removal of varicose veins done on an outpatient basis (you do not need to stay overnight in a hospital).
Blood Vessels: The arteries and veins that make up the human circulatory system.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Also known as Chronic Venous Disease (CVD), this is when the walls of the veins eventually become weakened and damage the vein valves.
Compression Stockings: Also known as compression hose, these are used to treat chronic venous insufficiency or as follow-up to varicose vein removal procedures. These may be prescribed by a physician and properly fitted to the patient. Some compression stockings may be purchased over-the-counter at specialty stores.
Deep Veins: Veins that lie within groups of muscles, close to the bones, and lead to the largest vein in the body, the vena cava.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a large vein, usually in the leg. It becomes life threatening if the clot breaks off and moves to the lungs, heart or brain. DVT typically is the result of extended periods of inactivity such as after surgery or on a long flight. DVT can also be caused by inherited conditions, injury or trauma, or as a side effect of cancer.
Duplex Ultrasound Imaging: A noninvasive technique that uses sound waves (Doppler) to determine the direction and velocity of blood flow. Also known as a sonogram. Can be used as a diagnostic tool and / or a guide during procedures such as VNUS® Closure®. For more information contact Advanced Mobile Diagnostics.
Edema: The accumulation of fluid, which may be seen in the lower legs of patients suffering from varicose veins.
Endovascular Surgery: A less invasive method of operating on an artery or vein, accomplished by using an easily accessible small artery to reach the problem area. Usually performed without general anesthesia, using small wires and tubes, known as catheters, to open or repair blood vessels.
General Surgery: General surgery is the subspecialty of surgery that diagnoses, evaluates, treats and operates (when needed). Many of the procedures General Surgeons perform use very small cuts or incisions and recovery can be quick.
Hyperpigmentation: Skin discoloration that can result from severe varicose veins. In the case of venous disease, it most often occurs near the ankles.
Laser Treatment: Utilizing laser technology, spider veins can often be treated with minimal or no bruising at all. The underlying spider veins are effectively removed in one or two brief sessions while the overlying skin is left undamaged.
Ligation: Several small incisions are made to allow the surgeon to tie off the vein at a point close to the source of blood flow.
Micro-phlebectomy: Formerly known as the vein stripping technique. Several small incisions are made to allow the surgeon to completely remove the vein.
Perforating Veins: Veins that connect the superficial veins to the deep veins. Often called “connecting veins.”
Saphenous Veins: The saphenous veins include the great and the small saphenous veins. They serve as the principal veins running superficially up the leg.
Sclerosant: A liquid or foam solution injected into a varicose vein.
Sclerotherapy: This simple procedure involves injecting a liquid or foam solution into the veins using a very fine gauge needle. This solution causes the veins to collapse, fade and be absorbed into the body.
Spider Veins: Spider veins are small blood vessels near the skin’s surface that have become enlarged. They look like tiny branches or webs of blue, purple or red, most often appearing on the legs.
Superficial Thrombophlebitis: A blood clot and inflammation in a superficial vein. These can often be felt and are very uncomfortable or painful.
Superficial Veins: Veins that lie close to the surface of the skin.
Telangiectasias: The medical term for the condition commonly known as spider veins.
TriVex® System of Varicose Vein Removal: Compared with traditional varicose vein surgery, which has been called a “blind” procedure (meaning physicians can’t always see or confirm removal of the vein), this technique makes it possible for surgeons to see the veins during the procedure and visually confirm their removal.
Valvular Insufficiency: (also Venous Insufficiency) Another way to describe the condition commonly known as varicose veins.
Varicose Veins: Bulging, twisted veins primarily found in the inner thighs, calves and feet. These veins contain incompetent venous valves, which are inefficient at preventing backflow of blood. They can cause pain, burning, aching or swelling and may need to be removed.
Vascular Surgery: Vascular surgery is the discipline of medicine which focuses on the disorders and treatment of blood vessels throughout the body (with the exception of heart and intracranial vessels). Specialists require additional training and board certification in vascular surgery.
Venefit (Radiofrequency Ablation of the Vein): Formerly known as VNUS® Closure®. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency ablation (microwave energy) to heat and shrink the affected vein in a controlled manner.
Venous Reflux: The phenomenon in which damaged or unhealthy valves of the veins allow blood to leak through rather than closing to prevent backflow.
Venous Stasis Ulcers: When the skin breaks down as the result of severe varicose veins, most often occurring near the ankles.
Vascular Disease: Disease affecting the arteries or veins causing plaque buildup, hardening or clogging to the blood vessels.
This section includes a glossary of the terms commonly associated with spider veins, varicose veins and vascular disease. The brief definitions in this section provide a general overview and are not intended to provide specific medical advice. Some of the terms used here are described in more detail in various sections throughout our site.
