Friday, August 2, 2013

Phlebology and Vein Types


Nowadays there seems to be a medical specialty in just about everything. But while extreme sub-specialties within medicine may seem frivolous or ridiculous, they have taken the practice of medicine to a whole new level. Patients with very specific diseases or disorders that were previously out of luck because their issues were not common knowledge can now go to a specialist and likely find a cure or at least a route of action.

One of the areas of medicine that is so specific it seems crazy that it exists is Phlebology. Phlebology is the medical discipline that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the venous origin. And while extremely specific, the study has created new procedures to help with everything from dermatology and cosmetic surgery to heart disease.

Types of Veins

One of the keys to understand rudimentary phlebology is knowing the different types of veins. Veins vary significantly in size and function. Certain veins are essential for life, while others are more of a nuisance.

o Superficial veins-these veins are close to the surface of the body and have no corresponding arteries. These are thought of as bothersome veins. They include spider and varicose veins which many people seek treatment through lasers and other cosmetic dermatology treatments to reduce their appearance on the skin.

o Deep veins-these veins are deeper within the body and have corresponding arteries.

o Pulmonary veins-these are the life force veins which deliver oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

o Systemic veins-the job of these veins is to drain the tissues of the body and deliver deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Cosmetic Dermatology and Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are an issue with millions of people around the world. These veins cause no harm, although certain severe forms can be painful. But many people feel that they are disfiguring and can cause emotional distress and low self esteem.

These pesky veins appear on the skin due to venous insufficiency which is the most common disorder of the venous system.

Treatment for spider and varicose veins includes:

o Lasers

o Compression

o Radiofrequency ablation

o Vein stripping

o Ambulatory phlebectomy

o Foam sclerotherapy

These treatments vary greatly in severity and in effectiveness. The more invasive procedures may offer more obvious results.

For more information on phlebology and the types of veins, visit the website of the dermatology and vein experts of Zimmet Vein & Dermatology.

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