Varicose Veins

The Vascular Surgery team at the University of Michigan consists of world class surgeons and clinicians dedicated to providing exceptional patient care for varicose veins in our state-of-the-art University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center (CVC), as well as at our Livoina Vein Center outpatient clinic.

Watch a Video on Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (wmv)

About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins involve the superficial venous system as opposed to the deep venous system. Varicose veins are the most frequent kind of chronic venous insufficiency and are present in about 15-20% of adults. A main vein of the superficial system is the saphenous, located along the inner part of the leg. Varicose veins are usually elongated, dilated, and twisted. Some people have no symptoms with varicose veins. Some people may have a pulsating pain, a feeling of heaviness or fatigue, and/or a burning sensation over the dilated vein. This discomfort usually occurs after long periods of standing or after having the legs down without exercise. This discomfort is usually worse at the end of the day and will disappear or improve after elevating the legs above the level of the heart.

We treat varicosities in the Vascular Surgery Clinic at the University Hospital and at our Livonia Vein Center.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the large, "rope-like" veins which are often one-quarter inch or larger in diameter.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins occur when veins are not properly returning blood from the lower leg to the heart. All veins have valves that open to allow the flow of blood to the heart and close to prevent backflow (otherwise known as "reflux") of blood to the foot. When valves fail to function properly, blood leaks through and flows down the leg in the wrong direction. The blood overfills and distends the superficial veins under the skin, resulting in the bulging seen in varicose veins.

The walls and valves of veins are thin and elastic, and can stretch due to a variety of situations including pregnancy, heredity and age. When varicose veins become severe, they can produce a syndrome referred to as chronic venous insufficiency. Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include aching pain, easy leg fatigue and leg heaviness, all of which worsen as the day progresses. Left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can cause ulcerations which can be very difficult to treat.

How common are varicose veins?

Approximately half of the population has some form of venous disease, and varicose veins affect about one out of two people age 50 and older, and 15-20% of all adults.

Treatment for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are treated by stocking support, intermittent leg elevation, and good exercise. If the veins cause symptoms over their surface, then they can be removed, or ablated. Ablation can be performed with a special laser device. Indications for removal or ablation include pain over the veins, bleeding, or thrombophlebitis.