Chapter 19: Venous Disorders, DVT, and Insufficiency

What is the primary function of veins?

To return blood to the heart.

What type of system are veins considered?

A low pressure system.

What structural feature do veins contain to prevent backflow?

One way valves.

What are the three layers of vein walls?

Tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia.

Do veins pump blood?

No, they do not pump blood.

What aids veins in returning blood against gravity?

The skeletal muscle pump and valves.

What is a common mild venous disorder?

Varicose veins.

What serious condition can result from venous insufficiency?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What is venous insufficiency?

A condition where veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart.

What is Virchow's triad?

It describes the three risk factors for venous clot formation: venous stasis, vascular damage, and hypercoagulability.

What can lead to deep vein insufficiency?

Obesity and pregnancy can weaken valve leaflets in veins.

What are common clinical presentations of DVT?

Unilateral leg pain, tenderness, redness, warmth over the vein, and swelling.

What diagnostic tool is commonly used for DVT?

Duplex ultrasonography.

What is the goal of DVT therapy?

To increase clotting time to 1.5 to 2.5 times normal.

What is an inferior vena cava filter?

A surgical procedure that blocks clots from the lower extremity to prevent them from entering pulmonary circulation.

What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?

A condition often resulting from damage to valves in the deep leg veins.

What are common treatments for venous insufficiency?

Gradient compression stockings and pneumatic compression devices.

What defines varicose veins?

Abnormally dilated superficial veins due to high pressure within them.

What is a common treatment for varicose veins?

Surgery, endovenous ablation, or sclerotherapy ablation.

What are venous ulcers?

Skin breakdown, tissue damage, and necrosis due to venous insufficiency.

Where is a common site for venous ulcers?

The lateral malleolus.

What lifestyle modifications can help treat venous ulcers?

Measures to promote venous return.

What can increase the risk of developing varicose veins?

Prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and obesity.

What is the significance of D-dimer in diagnosing DVT?

A positive D-dimer indicates the presence of a clot, while a negative result can help rule out DVT.