Phlebology

A phlebologist is a doctor who diagnoses vascular diseases, develops a treatment plan in case of venous, lymphatic insufficiency and trophic ulcers, and eliminates aesthetically disturbing vascular pathologies.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN APPOINTMENT?

During the appointment, the doctor finds out the medical history – most often asking questions about the specifics of work, lifestyle, physical activity, harmful habits and heredity, which can contribute to venous diseases. Before going to the doctor, you should try to remember if you have had any leg injuries and physical lesions.

While the patient is standing, the doctor will assess the size and location of the varicose veins, the swelling in the ankle area, the appearance of the skin, and measure the circumference of the legs. When the patient is lying down, the doctor will check the skin trophism, oedema, the appearance and localisation of trophic ulcers.

It is important to palpate (feel) the pulse on the arteries of the foot, popliteal fossa and groin area. During the examination, the specialist usually performs duplex sonography of the blood vessels, which is considered the gold standard in vein examination.

Premium-class ultrasound equipment that accurately identifies reflux, i.e. the flow of veins and arteries, provides faster and more accurate results. This is especially important if the veins are ill and need to be operated. Duplex sonography is the assistant No. 1 when choosing the most appropriate treatment method and identifying the extent of the planned surgery.

The vein diagnosis only provides accurate information when the patient is examined standing up or in a tilted position with the legs down, so that the force of gravity has a proper effect on the blood flow. A special phlebology podium is used where the patient can safely lean and feel stable.

Modern ultrasound of blood vessels is quick, painless and can also be performed as a preventive measure, because it is harmless. The diagnostic procedure takes about 10–20 minutes and the patient receives the result immediately after the investigation.

You will need to bare your legs during the investigation, so women should wear a skirt or a dress that can be raised a little.

After the tests and diagnosis, the doctor chooses the treatment method or a combination of methods, adapting the most appropriate tactic for each patient individually, taking into account many factors, including financial opportunities.

DO NOT PUT OFF SEEING A PHLEBOLOGIST IF YOU HAVE:

• sensation of heaviness and tingling in the legs,
• pain, swelling in the legs,
• the vein bulges out, is wide and forms various nodules,
• spider veins on the leg,
• cramps in the lower legs at night,
• burning sensation, itching, skin discolouration,
• eczema,
• nonhealing ulcers.

Baltic Vein Clinic, Veselības centrs 4 branch, has been the leader in vein treatment in the Baltic region for 20 years, it offers comprehensive, accurate vein diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. This is the only medical facility in Eastern Europe where all the world's leading vein treatments are available in one place.

The Baltic Vein Clinic is one of the few medical facilities in Latvia working in accordance with ISO quality standards, and its team of doctors includes internationally renowned industry leaders. The Baltic Vein Clinic continuously updates medical technologies (equipment for diagnosis and treatment, operating theatre equipment) according to the highest international standards and guarantees the quality of their work – every patient receives a lifetime guarantee for the surgery performed and a Surgery Quality Certificate.

The most acknowledged vein treatment methods worldwide are:

• vein closure using bioadhesive,
• steam microimpulse method,
• radiofrequency surgery,
• laser surgery,
• foam sclerotherapy.