Varicose veins are a common problem that men and women want to address, either due to the cosmetic issues of the condition or the pain and discomfort of abnormal veins. The popularity of treatment for varicose veins has made treatments widely available. Unfortunately, not every medical practitioner has the expertise that is needed to appropriately treat varicose veins. One of the foundations of treatment planning is CEAP classification.
Clinical Etiological Anatomical Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification for chronic vein disease is a standardized methodology that is used by clinical specialists to classify specific venous disorders. CEAP was first adopted in 2004 by the American Venous Forum and has since become a standard in practice for diagnosis and treatment.
CEAP Clinical Categories
Dr. Madan performs an in-depth examination and review of your symptoms to determine the most appropriate CEAP classification that may include:
C0: No palpable or visible signs of venous disease
C1: Reticular veins (small veins that appear green or blue in color) or telangiectasias (spider veins: small patterns of red or purplish veins)
C2: Varicose veins
C3: Edema (fluid buildup)
C4a: Eczema or pigmentation
C4b: Atrophie blanche (white scarring) or lipodermatosclerosis (inflammation of the fat layer)
C5: Venous ulcer that has healed
C6: Venous ulcer that is not healed or active
Prior to the introduction of a consistent clinical classification system, diagnosis of varicose vein disease varied across practitioners. The clinical categories that are outlined by CEAP allow for more precise diagnosis that lends to improved outcomes for treatments. Dr. Madan uses CEAP coupled with other factors, such as the severity of the varicose veins and patient-reported quality of life issues related to the varicose vein disorder that may include tightness, aching, heaviness, pain, and cramping. Even if you are not having these types of physical symptoms, yet are bothered by the appearance of varicose veins on your legs or body, you may want to consider treatment.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Madan has successfully treated varicose veins by using the most advanced techniques available. Dr. Madan approaches varicose vein treatments for his patients from a comprehensive perspective. In addition to the physical examination, he takes the time to understand how varicose veins affect you physically and emotionally. It is important that you are open about your concerns and the way that varicose veins impact your quality of life from all aspects. Dr. Madan also encourages his patients to ask questions about the condition, long-term prognosis, treatment options, expected outcomes, and lifestyle changes that may help manage the condition.
If you are bothered by visible veins on your legs or body, Dr. Vinay Madan can help. He is a board-certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disorders. To learn more about your varicose vein condition and minimally-invasive treatment options, such as VenaSeal™, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser ablation, contact Center for Varicose Veins today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Madan.
