Accessory Saphenous Vein
A special tributary of the saphenous vein which often runs parallel to the saphenous vein, superficial to it, and towards the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the thigh. It terminates near the saphenofemoral junction at the groin.
Acute
An acute condition or stage refers to rapid onset, short course, or both. In medicine, it usually refers to a short time scale of a condition.
Ambulatory Microphlebectomy
A minimally invasive procedure to remove varicose veins on an outpatient basis. It uses a special dissecting hook and small skin punctures, typically without sutures. Also known as stab avulsion phlebectomy.
Anterior
Refers to the front of the body or body part.
Artery
Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues.
Baker Cyst
A fluid collection behind the knee joint, often associated with arthritis or injury. It may be noted during ultrasound exams in phlebology.
Blood Vessel
Refers to either an artery or vein, both of which are part of the circulatory system.
Catheter
A thin tube inserted into a body cavity or blood vessel, often used in minimally invasive vein treatments like ablation.
Chronic
A long-term condition, as opposed to an acute one.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
A progressive condition where weakened vein walls and valves lead to high pressure in the veins, causing symptoms like leg pain, swelling, and ulcers.
Circulation
The movement of blood through the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and returning deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Competent Vein
A vein that allows blood to flow in the proper direction back to the heart without excess pressure or reflux.
Compression Pump
An automated device using intermittent pneumatic compression, often used to treat edema and prevent clotting.
Compression Stockings
Garments worn to treat chronic venous insufficiency, available in different styles and often prescribed by physicians to reduce leg swelling and pain.
Congenital Venous Anomaly
An abnormality in the venous system that may be inherited or sporadic. Commonly associated with conditions like Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.
Continuous Wave Doppler
A diagnostic tool using ultrasound to measure blood flow velocity, largely replaced by more advanced methods.
Deep Veins
Veins located within muscle groups or close to bones, responsible for carrying blood back to the heart.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the legs. It can become life-threatening if the clot travels to the lungs.
Duplex Ultrasound Test
A diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to measure blood flow and create vein images. It helps diagnose vein disorders like reflux, obstruction, or clots.
Edema
The accumulation of fluid in the tissues, often seen in the lower legs of patients with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.
Endovenous
Refers to anything occurring within a vein.
Endovenous Ablation
A minimally invasive procedure using laser or radiofrequency energy to seal off veins like the saphenous vein.
Femoral Vein
The major deep vein of the lower extremity, running from the knee to the groin.
Great Saphenous Vein
A long vein running along the inside of the leg, from the ankle to the thigh, and a common source of venous insufficiency.
Hyperpigmentation
Brownish skin discoloration often seen in the lower legs due to chronic venous insufficiency.
Incompetent Vein
A vein with poor valve function, allowing blood to flow backward and causing venous insufficiency.
Inflammatory Skin Changes
Skin changes associated with chronic venous insufficiency, often leading to venous ulcers.
Laser Ablation
A minimally invasive procedure using laser energy to seal off diseased veins, often used for treating saphenous veins.
Lymphedema
A condition where lymph fluid accumulates in tissues due to damage or obstruction of the lymphatic system.
Perforating Veins
Veins that connect the superficial and deep venous systems, often penetrating muscle or fascia layers.
Popliteal Vein
The deep vein located behind the knee.
Radiofrequency Ablation
A minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency energy to heat and collapse veins, used to treat venous insufficiency.
Reflux
When vein valves don’t close properly, causing blood to flow backward and leading to venous insufficiency.
Saphenous Vein
The major veins in the superficial venous system of the leg, including the great and small saphenous veins.
Sclerotherapy
A procedure in which a sclerosant is injected into veins to destroy the vein lining and cause it to shut down.
Spider Veins
Small veins just beneath the skin that appear as red, blue, or purple webs. Treatment is usually cosmetic.
Superficial Thrombophlebitis
A clot with inflammation in a superficial vein, often indicating underlying venous insufficiency.
Varicose Veins
Twisted, bulging veins that result from damaged vein valves, often causing leg pain, swelling, and skin changes.
Venous Reflux
Occurs when vein valves become weak or damaged, allowing blood to flow backward, pooling in the legs.
Venous Stasis Ulcer
Open sores in the legs caused by untreated chronic venous insufficiency, often near the ankles.
