“What does that word mean?” Understanding varicose veins and their treatment.

A glossary of varicose vein-related terms

Artery: Part of the circulatory system, arteries carry blood away from your heart and deliver it to the rest of your body.

Clotting: a dangerous coagulation of blood.

ELVeS: a safe, effective, treatment for varicose veins using state-of-the-art laser technology.

Endovenous: within a vein.

Phlebitis: inflammation of a vein.

Sclerotherapy: a less effective treatment of varicose veins, particularly larger veins, that involves injecting solution into afflicted veins.

Surgical ligation/stripping: a less desirable treatment of varicose veins where veins are tied off and pulled out, often leaving scars. This method has a high failure rate and a long, often painful recovery.

Varicose vein: A vein where blood has pooled, enlarging it.

Vein: Part of the circulatory system, veins return blood from your body to your heart to get re-oxygenated.

Venous insufficiency: A collection of blood in the veins due to venous valve malfunction in the legs.