Diseases of the veins
The system of veins in our legs comprises both superficial and deep veins. The superficial veins transport blood from the upper layers of the skin through the connective "perforator" veins into the deep vein system. The deep veins transport the blood back to the heart. These veins are surrounded by muscle and located deep within the legs close to the bones.
A disease of the superficial vein system results in the formation of varicose veins and their associated complications, including inflammation, varicose hemorrhage and leg ulcers.
If diseased superficial veins are surgically removed or closed, this loss is compensated for by the deep veins. These can adapt their transport capacities to take on an additional volume of blood.
A problem in the deep vein system, on the other hand, means a major disruption to blood flow. If these veins fail, they are unable to divert the flow of blood, which leads to a chronic disease of the veins in the long term. Diseases of the deep veins include thrombosis and the associated complications, such as pulmonary embolism or chronic degradation of the venous valves.
If left untreated, all diseases of the superficial or deep veins lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This begins with an initial tendency of the legs to swell, progressing to skin discoloration, and, ultimately, to open sores (leg ulcers).
Therefore, the earlier a disease of the veins is identified and treated, the lower the risk of such complications.
