Chronic venous insufficiency

[1] The most common cause of CVI is superficial venous reflux, which often results in the formation of varicose veins, a treatable condition.

[2] Since functional venous valves are necessary to facilitate efficient blood return from the lower extremities, CVI primarily affects the legs.

For instance, varicose veins are often treated using minimally invasive endovenous laser treatment performed under local anesthesia.

CVI is more prevalent in women than men, and additional risk factors include genetics, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing.

[citation needed] History and examination by a clinician for characteristic signs and symptoms are sufficient in many cases in ruling out systemic causes of venous hypertension such as hypervolemia and heart failure.

This may include Surgical treatment of CVI attempts a cure by physically changing the veins with incompetent valves.

Chronic venous insufficiency
Venous valves
B-flow ultrasonograph over a valve of the great saphenous vein , showing a venous reflux (flow toward right in the image).
Acute venous ulcer (45 x 30 mm).