Peripheral venous disease occurs when the veins that carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart from the extremities become damaged or blocked. Although this condition can occur anywhere throughout the body, it most frequently occurs in the arms and legs. Cases of venous disorders vary widely in their severity. Mild cases, for example, may not require treatment from a physician, and self-directed cures, such as exercise or bandaging the affected area, may be recommend. In other cases, surgical intervention may be required to prevent serious complications, such as a pulmonary embolism.
To schedule an appointment with the Heart and Vascular Institute, call 813-844-3900 or email heart-vascular@tgh.org
The most common types of peripheral venous disease include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency – This occurs when the walls and/or valves in the veins are not working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart.
- Varicose veins – These are gnarled, enlarged veins that usually occur in the legs. Though often mild, varicose veins result in complications for some patients, such as bleeding and blood clots.
- Deep vein thrombosis – This is a blood clot that typically forms in the deep veins of the legs. Serious complications can occur if the clot breaks free and travels through the circulatory system.
Tampa General Hospital uses innovative methods to diagnose and treat all types of vascular diseases. At our ultrasound vascular laboratory, we have leading-edge technologies and can perform advanced tests, such as peripheral venous testing, to determine if a patient has peripheral venous disease. In the event that surgery is required, our team of vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other specialists can perform a wide range of complex surgeries, including VNUS Closure® and vena cava filter implantation.