Abstract

The term chronic venous disease (CVD) has been defined as “(any) morphological and functional abnormalities of the venous system of long duration manifest either by symptoms and/or signs indicating the need for investigation and/or care”. Initial assessment should include evaluating the clinical severity of chronic venous disease, the anatomic location of reflux based on venous duplex ultrasound testing, the response to initial nonoperative measures to manage chronic venous disease and the effect of the venous disease on the patient’s quality of life. Now, several venous ablation techniques, including minimally invasive and surgical methods, are available and are classified by their method of vein destruction: chemical, thermal, or nonthermal (ie, mechanical, chemical). The choice of most appropriate intervention for superficial vein reflux depends on the size and location of the involved veins. Endovenous thermal ablation is recommended as the first choice treatment.