Venous Disease: Blood Clots, Varicose Veins, Swollen Leg, Leg Ulcers
Venous diseases constitute a major health problem in the United States
that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate
evaluation combined with the best currently available treatment options
can save lives, decrease the need for prolonged hospitalization,
relieve discomfort and improve the quality of life for people affected
by venous disease.
An embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat...
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The American Heart Association estimates up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by deep vein thromboses (DVT), also known as a blood clot. Of those who develop a pulmonary embolus, when a blood clot travels to the lungs, up to 200,000 people may die each year. A deep vein thrombosis is a common clinical problem produced by inherited and acquired disorders as well as other risk factors. Hematologists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital participate in the care of patients with DVT in identifying possible underlying blood clotting disorders that lead to the development of blood clots.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, painful superficial veins resulting from poorly functioning valves.
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An estimated 25 million Americans are affected by chronic venous disease including varicose veins, swollen legs and venous ulcers. Varicose veins are being treated in the Vein Center in a multidisciplinary approach by vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. State of the art treatment includes: endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy, and surgical vein stripping.
Nurse practitioner Diana Eastridge, APN/C-NP has an expertise in wound care management and is using the latest products in treating patients with difficult leg wounds. Identification and treatment of underlying disease and proper wound care often leads to healing of long standing wounds. Non-operative therapy remains the mainstay of treatment of chronic venous disease, however, in certain instances, corrective surgery is performed.
Contact
For more information regarding venous disease and the treatments
available through the Center for Vascular Disease, call the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at (866) 662-8467, request an appointment online, or contact the Vein Center at (312) 695-8346.
