ABSTRACT
Patients with venous disease represent a significant proportion of the patient population presenting to a vascular specialist. The assessment and clinical presentation of patients with venous disease have been covered by published guidelines. Significant venous disease affecting the dominant arm can be life changing for an individual, and can potentially cause disability. Chronic venous disease is extremely common in the Western world, with variable incidence reported worldwide. Venous disease is known to negatively impact on quality of life and has a significant association with depression. The presentation of venous disease occurs across a spectrum, including asymptomatic disease, varicose veins (VV), skin changes, and ulceration. VVs are extremely common, with risk factors including family history, age, and obesity. Trunk varices are VVs originating from the main stem and/or major tributaries of the great saphenous vein and/or the small saphenous vein. VVs are dilated and tortuous, due to the pathological reflux commonly but not exclusively associated with a cephalad incompetent valve.
