General information on venous diseases

Venous diseases are chronic conditions that can progress and lead to serious complications if left untreated. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the chances of a complete cure and aesthetically pleasing results. As every patient has different needs, individualized treatment planning is crucial. A customized combination of different treatment approaches can achieve the best long-term results. Our focus here is on the best treatment for each of our patients, taking into account making the therapy as comfortable as possible and enabling a quick return to work. Our concept is based exclusively on minimally invasive laser treatment for the removal of varicose veins using a special technique, so that it is not necessary to wear compression stockings afterwards. Even when treating spider veins, no stockings are required for follow-up treatment.

Compression therapy

Compression therapy is a proven method of treating venous disorders in which the dilated veins are constricted by applying pressure to the leg. This improves the function of the venous valves and promotes the return flow of blood. The pressure can be applied either by elastic bandages or compression stockings. Patient movement enhances the positive effect, as it activates the muscle pump in the legs and improves blood flow. Compression therapy is ideal for painful, swollen legs, but is only effective as long as the stocking is worn. It therefore only treats the symptoms, but not the cause.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, also known as sclerotherapy, is a minimally invasive procedure for treating varicose veins. A sclerosing agent is injected into the affected vein, which causes a controlled inflammation and subsequent adhesion of the vein walls. Foam sclerotherapy is particularly effective, using a foamy sclerosing agent that achieves a stronger sealing effect. The therapy is fast, effective and associated with few side effects, making it a preferred choice for the treatment of small and medium-sized veins. It is also the method of choice for controlling the formation of new varicose veins after surgery so that further surgical interventions are no longer necessary.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy uses high-energy light to treat diseased veins gently and effectively. The targeted use of laser energy closes varicose veins from the inside without the need for surgical intervention. Technologies such as the ELVeS system enable the outpatient treatment of large varicose veins with minimal risk and fast healing times. This method offers aesthetically pleasing results and significantly reduces the appearance of scars and bruising. Our concept for the removal of large varicose veins is primarily based on the ELVeS method for the treatment of large main varicose veins. It is performed painlessly at the VENENCLINIC under local anesthesia and twilight sleep and takes about an hour. Immediately after the procedure, the patient can get up and go home. The next day, the patient removes the bandage themselves and does not have to wear compression therapy. This technique is just as efficient as the "major operations". At the VENENCLINIC, we can use this treatment to remove any varicose vein, no matter how large.

Radiofrequency therapy (VNUS Closure)

The VNUS Closure method uses radiofrequency energy to shrink and close varicose veins from the inside. This minimally invasive technique is particularly gentle and enables a quick recovery. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic and the patient can usually resume their daily activities immediately afterwards. Compared to traditional surgery, this method is associated with less pain and complications and offers a high success rate for the permanent removal of varicose veins. We are happy to carry out this treatment on request, but we recommend the ELVeS laser method for various reasons.

CHIVA method

The CHIVA method is a vein-preserving technique that aims to correct the faulty blood flow in the varicose veins without removing them. The veins are relieved by targeted interruptions in the blood flow and can partially regenerate themselves. The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed under local anesthesia. Although the aesthetic result is not the main focus, the CHIVA method offers effective pain relief and is a good option for patients who prefer conservative treatment. However, CHIVA requires the long-term wearing of compression stockings and does not remove all varicose veins. For this reason, we only perform this method if patients absolutely want it. The ELVeS laser method has a more lasting effect and is significantly better.

Surgical methods

Surgical procedures, known as stripping, are still the method of choice for removing large varicose veins in many hospitals. Even though the technique has improved in recent years, "pulling out" the varicose veins is still a very traumatic procedure that is only ever performed under partial or general anesthesia. The traumatization of the tissue around the veins explains the long-term discomfort with swelling, pain and often irreversible nerve irritation that does not occur with minimally invasive laser methods. For these reasons, post-treatment after vein stripping always requires a compression stocking, as the pain after the procedure is otherwise unbearable. Unfortunately, for a variety of internal reasons, individual hospitals still perform such traumatizing operations far too often. VENENCLINIC believes that stripping surgery is a thing of the past and should no longer be performed due to its many side effects.

Drug therapy

Medication plays a supporting role in the treatment of venous diseases. Vein remedies such as ointments or tablets relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. Blood thinners are of crucial importance in cases of phlebitis and thrombosis, as they prevent the formation of blood clots and can dissolve existing thromboses. Drug therapy can alleviate symptoms in individual cases, but it can neither cure varicose veins nor prevent them from forming again. We only use medication to treat swelling and congestion if wearing a stocking (e.g. in summer) is not desired.

Alternative medicine

Many patients look for alternative treatment methods that use natural remedies. Acupressure, homeopathy and phytotherapy offer gentle options for relieving vein problems. These methods can reduce symptoms such as heaviness, swelling and pain, but are not a substitute for conventional therapies.

Self-care and prevention

Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent the development of varicose veins by any means. Varicose veins are exclusively genetic and occur over the years as a result of us humans walking upright, for which they were not designed, regardless of whether someone exercises, eats a healthy diet and maintains a controlled weight. But - there is a lot you can do to influence vein or leg problems. A healthy lifestyle and regular self-care can improve symptoms. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and, depending on the symptoms, wearing compression stockings to support venous return.