Chronic venous insufficiency condition overview at Shore Vascular & Vein Center

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the veins in your legs struggle to send blood back to the heart. At Shore Vascular & Vein Center, we diagnose and treat CVI at its source to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

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What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

CVI develops when the one-way valves inside your leg veins become damaged or weakened, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the lower legs instead of returning efficiently to the heart. This increased pressure in the veins is the underlying cause of many varicose veins and related symptoms.

Symptoms of CVI

  • Leg swelling, especially by the end of the day
  • Aching, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs
  • Visible varicose veins
  • Skin discoloration or thickening near the ankles
  • Leg cramping or restlessness
  • In advanced cases, skin ulcers or open wounds

Diagnosis and Treatment

CVI is diagnosed using painless ultrasound testing performed in our IAC-accredited noninvasive vascular lab, which allows Dr. Gosin to evaluate blood flow and vein valve function. Once diagnosed, treatment is tailored to the severity of your condition and may include venous closure, VenaSeal, or sclerotherapy for associated spider veins. Left untreated, CVI often worsens over time, so early evaluation at Shore Vascular & Vein Center in Somers Point, NJ can help prevent more serious complications.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency FAQs

What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

CVI is caused by damaged or weakened valves in the leg veins, which allow blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart.

Is CVI a serious condition?

While not immediately life-threatening, CVI can worsen over time and, in advanced cases, lead to skin damage, wounds, or blood clots if left untreated.

How is CVI diagnosed?

CVI is diagnosed with a noninvasive ultrasound test that evaluates blood flow and valve function in the leg veins.

Can CVI be treated without surgery?

Yes. Most CVI treatments, including venous closure and VenaSeal, are minimally invasive, in-office procedures rather than traditional surgery.

Who is at risk for CVI?

Risk factors include family history, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and increasing age.

Is CVI treatment covered by insurance?

Many CVI treatments are covered by insurance when they’re medically necessary. Visit our insurance page for more information.

Address the Root Cause of Your Symptoms

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gosin at Shore Vascular & Vein Center in Somers Point, NJ today.

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