Course Summary

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and swollen veins and are commonly seen in the peripheral leg veins due to high venous pressure in the lower extremities. Varicose veins typically occur in adults and are a manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency, possibly progressing to more serious conditions such as edema, deep vein thrombosis, skin changes, and lower extremity ulcers. Various types of treatments for varicose veins may begin with compression stockings, diet, leg elevation, and other lifestyle changes. When indicated, varicose veins may be treated using outpatient procedures that include sclerotherapy, ablation, or phlebectomy.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Varicose Veins and Their Prevalence
  • Pathophysiology of Varicose Veins
    • Venous Blood Flow and Pressure
    • Venous Hypertension
    • Primary and Secondary Varicose Veins
    • CEAP Classification System
  • Risk Factors
    • Prolonged Standing
    • Pregnancy
    • Advanced Age
    • Genetics
    • Dietary Fiber Deficiency and Obesity
    • Other Potential Risk Factors
  • Differential Diagnosis
  • Varicose Vein Treatment
    • Compression Stockings, Diet and Lifestyle Changes
    • Pharmacological Interventions
    • Endovascular/Open Surgery Interventions
    • Adverse Effects and Complications of Sclerotherapy
    • Sclerotherapy Post-Operative Care
  • Phlebotomy, Ligation, Stripping and Ablation
    • Endovenous Laser Ablation
    • Radiofrequency Ablation
    • Preoperative Care: Uncomplicated
  • Case Study: Varicose Veins
  • Summary

Author

Marilyn Lajoie, MD, DC, CCSP

Dr. Marilyn Lajoie obtained her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 1999, Her residency began with one year of Anatomical and Surgical Pathology at Orlando Regional Medical Center, before transferring within the same post-graduate residency program to Internal Medicine. Upon completion of residency, she went into private practice in Orlando, where she specialized in Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine and Rehab, as well as acute and chronic pain management. Before becoming a medical doctor, she had practiced as a Chiropractic Physician, graduating from New York Chiropractic College in 1980, practicing initially on Long Island, N.Y., before moving to Florida where she had a successful chiropractic practice and physical rehabilitation center, and gained recognition as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. Dr. Lajoie was also the Director of Physical Therapy at Horizon Hospital, a residential and outpatient psychiatric hospital, and later, continued in the same capacity at Horizon’s sister psychiatric hospital in Brooksville, Florida. Dr. Lajoie maintained her chiropractic license and continued to practice both Internal Medicine and Chiropractic throughout private practice, until moving to the Veterans Healthcare System in 2014. Continuing in both fields, she became the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Montana VA, where she completed her service in 2021. Dr. Lajoie now works predominantly in telemedicine, and in an Expert Witness capacity for both medical and chiropractic cases. Still living in Montana, she enjoys being able to treat not only the rural areas of the state through this technology, but also patients across the US where she maintains multiple active state licenses. She and her husband also own a llama ranch with over thirty llamas that are hand selected for rare genetics. At the llama ranch, the public is invited to come and visit to learn about these elegant creatures, and to see ranch life firsthand – llama style! Dr. Lajoie and her husband have six adult children, as well as seven dogs.