Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a common yet often overlooked vein condition that affects millions of Americans. It occurs when the veins in your legs have trouble sending blood back to your heart, causing it to pool in the lower limbs. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, visible vein changes, and more serious health issues if left untreated.

 

At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we help patients across Illinois find relief from CVI through accurate diagnosis, patient education, advanced treatment options, and long-term preventive care.

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What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

CVI occurs when the valves inside your leg veins stop working properly. These valves act like one-way doors, helping blood flow upward toward your heart. When they become weak or damaged, blood can leak backward and collect in your veins, leading to swelling and increased pressure. Over time, this buildup can lead to visible vein and skin changes, leg fatigue, or pain.

 

CVI can affect the deep veins located within your muscles, the superficial veins closer to the skin, and the perforator veins, which connect the two systems.

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing CVI. Some are genetic, while others are linked to lifestyle or previous medical history.
Common causes include:

  • Family history of vein disease
  • Obesity or excess body weight
  • Prolonged sitting or standing
  • A history of blood clots or leg injuries
  • Aging (especially over 50)
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Hear From Our Patients

5/5

“Dr.Gilvydis and his team not only provide excellent quality care but also excellent service. This team of professionals are very client focused and work together to ensure that you get the right treatment but also take the time to tailor the process to meet your needs. Couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!“

Maureen – Naperville, IL

5/5

“If you’re reading reviews trying to decide if this place is good and with your time and money, I can safely attest that yes, they are great and worth the time and money. The team were all so nice and thorough. Everything was clean and professional. I highly recommend!”

Seymor – Geneva, IL

5/5
“Every aspect of my experience with the Gilvydis Vein Clinic has been positive, and as pleasant as I could have hoped for. The facilities are clean, bright, and comfortable. The staff is friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and professional. The doctor and staff are skilled, informative, and thorough. I highly recommend their services and care.”

Gary – Sycamore, IL

What Are the Symptoms of CVI?

Not everyone notices symptoms right away. For many, CVI begins with mild swelling, itching or leg fatigue and slowly progresses over time. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent complications and improve your comfort. Common symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency include:

  • Venous Insufficiency include:
  • Leg pain or heaviness
  • Swelling in the legs or ankles
  • Muscle cramping
  • Visible varicose veins
  • Skin changes such as dryness, itching, or flaking
  • Restless legs, especially at night
  • Venous ulcers (open sores near the ankles)

If left untreated, CVI can lead to more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. Seeking care early allows for less invasive treatment and faster recovery.

Ultrasound Vein Mapping procedure done by a vein doctor

CVI Treatment

At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency using minimally invasive techniques. We start with a comprehensive leg evaluation and review your medical history. Based on your needs, we’ll recommend an individualized plan that may include both in-office procedures and at-home therapies such as gentle exercise, compression stockings, and leg elevation.

Here are the Chronic Venous Insufficiency treatments available at Gilvydis Vein Clinic:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a safe solution directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body.

 

What to Expect:

  • Procedure time: 15–30 minutes
  • Minimal discomfort
  • No anesthesia required
  • Resume daily activities immediately

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation delivers laser energy through a small catheter to seal the damaged vein shut.

 

What to Expect:

  • Local anesthesia
  • Completed in under one hour
  • Mild soreness or tightness for 1–2 days
  • High success rate with minimal scarring

Do You Have CVI? Get Treatment Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, the specialists at Gilvydis Vein Clinic are here to help. We offer expert diagnosis, advanced technology, and compassionate CVI treatment in a comfortable, outpatient setting.

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Get a low out-of-pocket cost for your vein treatment. Now that you have met your deductible, don’t postpone treatment. Schedule your consultation appointment today. Our vein treatment is safe, effective, and quick—so you can resume doing the things you love in no time.

Accepted Insurance

  • Aetna (Personal Care/Coventry)
  • BCBS PPO
  • Cigna
  • Employers Coalition on Health (ECOH)
  • Health Alliance Medical Plan (HAMP)
  • HFN
  • Humana
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan
  • PCN IPA
  • EPreferred Plan, Inc. (PPI)/Interhealth plan
  • SEIU
  • The Alliance
  • United Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Venous Insufficiency

In most cases, CVI is not life-threatening. However, the unsightly and painful swelling can significantly impact one’s quality of life and comfort. If left untreated, CVI can pose serious (and potentially life-threatening) health risks such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

If you have varicose veins or leg swelling and feel they are affecting your quality of life, you should consider treatment. With minimally invasive methods and technology available today, it is easier than ever before to resolve your vein issues. Consult with a doctor if you are experiencing physical discomforts such as itching, burning, and swelling.

Varicose veins typically occur in the legs and feet. They are enlarged, misshapen veins that are visible to the naked eye. Faulty valves cause varicose veins, which allow blood to pool, leading to an enlarged, dysfunctional vein. They mainly occur in your lower extremities due to the increased pressure from standing and walking. Many patients only experience cosmetic issues from varicose veins—however, some experience physical discomforts such as swelling, throbbing, and itching.

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