The chronic venous disease – also known as chronic venous insufficiency, and which is manifested by the so-called spider veins in the lower limbs , among other symptoms – is caused by an anomaly in the functioning of the valves existing in the veins, sometimes producing obstruction to the venous flow. It affects about a third of the Portuguese population and the treatment can be made through surgery, by a minimally invasive process, a service now available at Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas. Besides the aesthetical alterations originated, the chronic venous disease is sometimes incapacitating and may potentiate complications, such as phlebitis or deep vein thrombosis. The surgical treatment has evolved in the latest years, classical surgery being gradually substituted by minimally invasive procedures, that allow to attain the same goals. Among these, radiofrequency is one of the techniques currently most used in the treatment of chronic venous disease, in view of its proven efficacy and the excellent results, as well as a significant reduction in post-surgical complications, that are practically inexistent. It was precisely this technique that was used in the first surgery of the specialty that took place in the operating theatre of Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas . The team performing this surgery (in the photo above) integrated Maria José Ferreira (physician specialized in Angiology and Vascular Surgery), António González (of the same specialty, who assisted the intervention), nurses Tiago Lopes and Antónia León, and anaesthesiologist Patrícia O’Neill. Vascular surgery is dedicated to the clinical and imaging diagnosis, and to the medical and surgical treatment of arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels diseases. Schedule consultations or exams via our usual channels: MY LUZ , WhatsApp (927 529 648), by phone 217 104 540 . Visit us at em hospitaldaluz.pt/odivelas
