1.In the circulatory system, a vein is a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart. The majority of veins in the body carry low-oxygen blood from the tissues back to the heart; the exceptions being the pulmonary and umbilical veins which both carry oxygenated blood.

2.Common diseases The most common vein disorder is venous insufficiency, usually manifested by spider veins or varicose veins. A variety of treatments are used depending on the patient's particular type and pattern of veins and on the physician's preferences. Treatment can include radio-frequency ablation, vein stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, foam sclerotherapy, sclerotherapy, lasers or compression

3.Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. The word "varicose" comes from the Latin root "varix," which means "twisted." Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. That's because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins in your lower body.

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild and medically insignificant variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes the condition leads to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.

Varicose veins are a common condition in the United States, affecting up to 15 percent of men and up to 25 percent of women. Treatment may involve self-help measures or procedures by your doctor to close or remove veins.

4.How are varicose and spider veins treated? Besides a physical exam, your doctor can take x-rays or ultrasound pictures of the vein to find the cause and severity of the problem. You may want to speak with a doctor who specializes in vein diseases or phlebology. Talk to your doctor about what treatment options are best for your condition and lifestyle. Not all cases of varicose veins are the same.

Some available treatments include:

Sclerotherapy,Laser surgery,Endovenous Techniques (radiofrequency and laser),Surgery

Question:
I had a fistula created over a year ago. The enlarged vein from my joint at my elbow goes down my arm but branches off and doesn't make it to the enlarged fistula that is buzzing. A vein or two were tied off but that didn't remedy the situation. The surgeon wants to connect the large vein and the fistula with a graft 2 weeks befoe I go on dialysis. That sounds strange to me because I'm not sure if I will get that 2 week option.

Anyway, my question is this: When they insert the needles for dialysis do they go into the graft, the tubing itself? If so would this be any less painful than a vein? I suffer from anxiety and worry about the pain from the needles. I hear they are large.

Answer: The needles can hurt a bit, because they are large gauge, but there should be the option of Lidocaine (sp?), which is injected with a small needle and quite effectively numbs the area. There are also topical anisthetics you can apply to the skin to numb it... ask at the clinic or I'm sure someone here know what it's called... I never used it myself, I only used the Lidocaine while on hemo. Yes, they do stick the needles into the tubing itself, but the pain, if any, comes from piercing the skin, not the vein. Don't worry too much... in my opinion, the graft sugery was worse than sticking the needles ever was!