Angiology – what does it do?

Proven content

Angiology is the youngest field of internal medicine dealing with the treatment of vascular diseases. It is a branch of medicine on the border of related fields, such as: neurology, rheumatology, vascular surgery, cardiology, and hematology. Its creation is related to the progress of medicine and the emergence of new methods of treatment and prevention of vascular diseases. The founder of modern angiology is Max Ratschow – German professor, founder of the first angiology clinic in Darmstadt.

Department of vascular diseases

The Vascular Disease Clinic deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of abnormalities in the structure and function of vessels, the so-called “Peripheral”, that is, the venous, arterial and lymphatic systems located peripherally to the heart. One of the most common angiological examinations is an ultrasound examination of vessels with Doppler function and color flow imaging. Currently, it is the most frequently used test in the diagnosis and qualification for surgical treatment of patients with varicose veins. Heart disease, on the other hand, is the domain of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. In diagnostics, both non-invasive and invasive methods are used.

“Spider veins” and varicose veins

Varicose veins and “spider veins” are common. Varicose veins are just one of the symptoms of chronic venous disease, which includes a wide range of abnormalities. Most people are unaware that symptoms such as heavy legs, swelling and general discomfort, especially in the evening after a hard day’s work, can be symptoms of a vein disease. It should be emphasized that this disease, especially in the initial stage, is asymptomatic, although it systematically worsens and often leads to complications. Such complications significantly worsen the quality of life. The first symptoms that should prompt you to look for the cause and contact an angiologist are aches and pains at the end of the day, the so-called “Heavy legs”, then “spider veins” (telangiectasias) and then varicose veins appear. The next stage is swelling, initially around the ankles, itchy discoloration on the skin, i.e. venous eczema. The skin becomes thin, turns brown, disappears (white atrophy) or hardens (lipodermatosclerosis). Untreated chronic venous disease causes ulcers that heal difficult to heal.

Chronic venous disease treatment methods offered at Ameds Centrum

Ameds Centrum offers full angiological diagnostics using the most modern methods. In treatment, we also focus on the use of the so-called minimally invasive techniques. One of them is Endovenous Laser Therapy-EVLT. It consists in inserting a laser fiber into a vein through a skin puncture. This is done under ultrasound guidance. Then the appropriate sections of the vein are irradiated from the inside. The laser beam causes

– leaves no scars

– no need for a surgical incision and no sutures (requires only a few millimeters of skin puncture);

– fewer complications;

– definitely less pain in the postoperative period;

– earlier return to full activity (after two hours the patient can leave the medical facility);

– the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, does not require hospitalization, and does not cause absenteeism. (This is especially important for professionally active people – it makes it a cheaper and more convenient method compared to classic surgery.)

The influence of pregnancy on the functioning of the venous system of the lower extremities

Varicose veins are much more common in pregnant women and cause more ailments than varicose veins in non-pregnant women. During pregnancy, there is a cascade of overlapping physiological mechanisms that adversely affect the functioning of the venous system of the lower extremities and include:

– circulatory factor

– mechanical factor

– change in the rheological properties of blood

– hormonal factors

– coagulation factors

Other factors affecting the risk of occurrence or worsening of the already existing pathology of the venous system in pregnancy include: family burden, standing position at work, obesity, reduced physical activity, number of pregnancies and deliveries, as well as the interval between them, use of hormonal contraception or hormonal treatment.

Venous thromboembolism and pregnancy

In pregnancy, starting from the second trimester, an increase in coagulation is observed, associated with an increase in the level of coagulation factors and a decrease in coagulation inhibitors.

Venous thromboembolism and its most serious complication – pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of death in pregnant and puerperal women (1 / 1000-3000 pregnancies). The risk of VTE in pregnant women is six times higher than in women in the reproductive period. It is also the most common preventable cause of death.

Dr. Zbigniew Klimczak is a specialist angiologist with many years of practice in the treatment of vascular diseases. He is also an expert in the field of ultrasound of vessels. He has many years of experience in caring for patients with the following diseases: chronic lower limb artery disease (PAD), venous thromboembolism (VTE), chronic venous insufficiency (varicose veins), lymphatic system diseases, thrombophilia, coronary artery disease, stroke, aneurysms, leg ulcers, kidney artery disease, microcirculation disorders (Raynaud’s phenomenon), vascular compression syndromes. He graduated from the Medical University of Lodz in 1998, then obtained a specialization in internal medicine in 2008, and in 2011 a specialization in angiology.

Dr. Klimczak is a consultant in the field of angiology at the Healthcare Unit of the Ministry of the Interior in Łódź. For many years he worked in England, incl. at hospitals in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Leeds, Manchester. He has conducted a number of clinical trials. He is a member of the Polish Angiological Society. From March 1, 2021, he became the Manager of AMEDS Centrum in Grodzisk Mazowiecki.