Venous Insufficiency

Vein Institute of Westchester
Michael F. Gioscia, MD FACS, ABVLM
Vascular Surgeon & Vein Specialist located in West Harrison, NY
Your veins transport your blood back to your heart. They contain valves that help force your blood against gravity toward your heart. Venous insufficiency (venous reflux) refers to a vascular condition that happens when these valves become damaged. The blood can flow backward and increase pressure in your legs if you have damaged valves.
Over time, the pressure in your leg veins can cause symptoms including visible leg veins, restless legs, neuropathy, and leg and ankle swelling.
A chronic venous obstruction happens when there’s a blockage in the veins. A blockage typically occurs when scar tissue in the vein causes damage to your valves and a backward flow of blood or a poor return of blood flow to your heart.
Chronic venous insufficiency or venous obstruction can cause several vein-related problems, including leg ulcers.
What causes venous insufficiency?
Several risk factors might play a role in the development of venous insufficiency, including:
- Excess body weight
- Family history and genetics
- Multiple pregnancies
- Inactivity
- Heavy lifting
- Overexertion
- Prolonged standing
- Being female
- Aging
Less common conditions that can lead to venous insufficiency include blood clots and abnormal blood vessels.
All vein conditions are based on this disorder, and it’s often considered a hereditary condition that’s worsened by lifestyle and environmental factors.

How is venous insufficiency treated?
Dr. Gioscia provides proven-successful personalized treatments for venous insufficiency, including VenaSeal.
Dr. Gioscia performs an examination and provides in-house ultrasounds and another testing as needed. Dr. Gioscia might suggest you wear compression stockings, consume a nutrient-dense diet, manage your sleep and stress, and start a new exercise routine to help improve your venous insufficiency. Most treatments are designed to seal a segment of a problem vein or close off problem veins. Treatment options include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- ClariVein®
- Varithena
- VenaSeal™
- Sclerotherapy