Venous Disease

About the venous disease program

At Mass General Brigham, we provide one of the most comprehensive vascular programs in the country, with a specialized focus on venous (vein) care. Patients from across the U.S. and around the world trust us for our expertise in diagnosing and treating common vein conditions—such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, and spider veins—and rare conditions, like pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, and Paget-Schröetter syndrome.

Our team of board-certified specialists includes experts in vascular medicine, surgery, hematology, imaging, and wound care. Many are fellowship-trained and serve as faculty at Harvard Medical School. Our integrated approach allows our team to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and delivers the best possible outcomes.

Mass General Brigham Vein Care centers offer convenient local access to our team of vascular clinicians and a range of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments for venous disease.
 

Vein conditions we treat

We offer treatment for the following vein conditions:

Vein conditions treated cosmetically

These conditions affect the appearance of veins and are typically treated with non-invasive procedures:

Vein conditions treated medically

These conditions affect circulation and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated: 

Vein conditions in the legs

Blood clots and related conditions

Vein conditions in the abdomen and pelvis

Treatment is determined based on your type of venous disease, and its severity. Our vascular specialists offer treatment plans suited to your individual needs designed to deliver the best outcomes.

What are the symptoms of venous disease?

Your veins are the tubes, or blood vessels, that carry oxygen-poor blood toward the heart. While arterial blood is pushed through the body by the pumping of your heart, venous blood is pushed back towards the lungs and heart by the muscles that surround the veins. Vein disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the veins and disrupt healthy blood flow. 

Below are the main venous disease symptoms:

• Pain, throbbing, aching, or cramping
• A feeling of weight, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs
• Arm pain (Paget-Schröetter syndrome)
• Noticeable puffiness or swelling, typically in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin
• Skin irritation or inflammation around the affected area
• Skin changes, dermatitis, or leg ulcers
• Itching or burning feeling
• Abdominal or pelvic pain

What causes venous disease?

Vein disease occurs when the veins are functioning poorly, often due to issues like weakened vein walls, damaged valves, or impaired blood flow. 

Several factors can contribute to the development of venous disease, including:

• Age
• Chronic conditions like CVI and post-thrombotic syndrome
• Genetics/family history
• High venous pressure from chronic coughing, heavy lifting, constipation, or other conditions that raise venous pressure
• Hormonal factors
• Medical conditions or comorbidities, like congenital (in-born) vein malformations, heart failure, and tumors that obstruct blood flow
• Obesity
• Occupations that require prolonged standing or sitting
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Thrombosis (blood clots)
• Trauma or surgery to the legs or pelvis
• Valve dysfunction

Addressing these underlying causes and risk factors of venous disease can significantly reduce its progression and improve outcomes. Early detection and intervention are essential for managing these conditions effectively.

How is venous disease diagnosed?

Venous disease treatment

As a care team, we evaluate each patient's vein condition and customize a treatment plan that addresses the underlying problem, not just the symptoms. For the fastest diagnosis and treatment for venous disease, make an appointment with Mass General Brigham Vein Care.

For vein diseases such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency, treatments typically focus on improving vein function and reducing blood pooling. Blood can pool or slow in the veins because they operate under lower pressure compared to arteries, which are pressurized by the heart’s pumping action.

To treat vein disease, we specialize in a range of procedures and therapies, from non-surgical medical interventions and minimally invasive procedures to more complex surgeries when needed. 

Some of the treatment options we may recommend include:

Preventative and supportive care

Cosmetic treatments

Minimally invasive procedures

Blood clot treatments/procedures