Ep. 6 - Understanding Perforator Veins and Their Role in Non-Healing Ulcers

Cardiovascular Matters

This episode of Cardiovascular Matters explores perforator veins and their role in non-healing leg ulcers with Dr. Craig Walker. Dr. Walker discusses how perforator veins connect deep and superficial leg veins, and how they can cause high pressure that prevents ulcer healing.

• Perforator veins are connections between deep and superficial leg veins
• They are important not to cause issues like deep vein thrombosis during treatments
• Large perforator veins can apply high pressure to skin and cause ulcer formation

Dr. Walker explains that even with compression stockings, leg elevation and other measures, ulcers may not heal if perforator veins are applying pressure. Historically, perforator veins were difficult to treat due to their small size, but new minimally invasive techniques like laser ablation have revolutionized treatment.

• Perforator veins can cause ulcers to persist even with compression and elevation
• Early treatments were challenging due to size of perforator veins
• Laser ablation uses a thin fiber that can accurately treat perforator veins

Dr. Walker demonstrates how laser ablation of perforator veins is performed using ultrasound guidance, numbing and a laser fiber thinner than a hair. Multiple burns along the vein permanently close it off. This often provides immediate relief and allows ulcers to finally heal.

• Laser ablation is performed with ultrasound guidance for accuracy
• Numbing is given to prevent pain from laser heat treatment
• Multiple burns along the vein length close it off to reduce pressure

If you or a loved one suffers from non-healing leg ulcers, especially if other treatments have failed, perforator vein evaluation and treatment may help. Contact Dr. Walker at Cardiovascular Institute of the South for a consultation.

• Non-healing leg ulcers could be from underlying perforator vein issues
• Evaluation and treatment with Dr. Walker may help ulcers finally heal
• Contact Cardiovascular Institute of the South for a consultation

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