Venous Ulcer

Venous Ulcer Overview

A venous ulcer is a shallow wound that typically arises on the medial distal aspect of the calf due to venous insufficiency. Initially, the area where a venous ulcer will develop becomes dark red or purple. This is the area where the blood is leaking out of the vein. The skin may become dry, itchy, and thick. Once an ulcer forms, the area may also be painful, tender, and red. If the ulcer becomes infected, the infection can cause an odor, and pus can drain from the wound. These ulcers are slow to heal and often come back if preventative treatment is not sought.

If you notice a sign of a venous ulcer, seek medical attention right away, because you may be able to prevent to ulcer from forming. You should also seek medical attention immediately, if the ulcer has formed, because smaller ulcers heal faster than larger ones.

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Treatments offered

Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) is an innovative approach for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency or leg ulcers. SEPS surgically addresses the cause of the disease through an approach using 1 to 3 small incisions.

The benefits of SEPS may include a higher rate of wound healing and reduced chance of developing new ulcers.

It is used for patients with either healed or active ulcers (CEAP classifications 5 or 6), caused by chronic venous insufficiency, in whom incompetent calf perforating veins are thought to be an important contributing factor, particularly where conservative management (such as leg elevation, compression therapy and medication) has failed. Deep venous occlusion and/or infected ulcers are usually contraindications to SEPS.

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