Venous disease is the impairment of blood flowing to the heart and is a common condition affecting men and women of all ages and activity levels. While many cases of venous disease are genetic, they can also be caused by environmental risks, pregnancy and other factors.
Venous disease can range from cosmetic concerns to life-threatening conditions, including:
- Spider and reticular veins: Small veins that occur under the skin but can be seen on the surface.
- Varicose veins: Visible veins in the leg that bulge and bleed, clot or cause discomfort.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A clot in the deep veins of the body.
- Swollen or painful legs due to chronic venous insufficiency: Veins that do not work properly due to damaged valves or blockages within the veins.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: A blood clot in the surface veins of the body.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the veins of the lungs.
- May-Thurner syndrome: An anatomical abnormality that causes left leg blood clots, pain or swelling.
Venous Disease Testing and Treatment
Non-invasive diagnostic testing is available to evaluate venous disorders. Venous duplex ultrasound examines blood vessels and blood flow. Air plethysmography measures blood flow or air volume to check for blood clots. Other tests may include CT or MRI scans. A venogram, which uses X-ray and contrast dye to look at the veins, may be ordered if other tests are not definitive.
Treatment options vary, depending on your diagnosis, but range from medical therapies and compression stockings to surgical correction. Michigan Medicine venous health experts offer a full complement of endovenous (within the vein) and surgical treatments, including clinical trials. Visit our Venous Treatments and Procedures page for more information.
Venous Disease Treatment at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan Vascular Surgery team handles all varieties of venous problems, regardless of complexity. We also provide the most advanced medical, endovascular (minimally invasive treatment within the vein) and open surgical treatments.
Our team is trained to recognize and treat problems ranging from cosmetic procedures for spider/varicose veins, radiofrequency/laser/chemical ablation of superficial veins to complex open surgery for complications of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters.
We are involved in numerous clinical trials and basic investigations, ranging from basic science research on blood clots to clinical trials on IVC filters. This type of research ensures our patients have access to the most up-to-date medications and treatments available.
Patient Resources
Make an Appointment
Visit our Make an Appointment page for more information.