Phlebologist
Encyclopedia
A Phlebologist is a medical specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of venous origin. The specialty of Phlebology has developed to enable physicians sharing an interest in venous disease but with a variety of backgrounds such as dermatology, vascular surgery, haematology, or general medicine, to share knowledge and experience. Diagnostic techniques used include the history and physical examination, venous imaging techniques and laboratory evaluation related to venous thromboembolism
Thrombosis
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. When a blood vessel is injured, the body uses platelets and fibrin to form a blood clot to prevent blood loss...

. The American Medical Association has added phlebology to their list of self-designated practice specialties.

A significant part of a phlebologist's work is involved with the treatment of superficial venous disease, frequently of the leg. Conditions often treated include varicose veins
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and tortuous. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards . Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart, against the...

 and spider veins (telangiectasia
Telangiectasia
Telangiectasias /tɛ.læn.dʒiː'ɛk.teɪ.ʃi:ə/ are small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes, measuring between 0.5 and 1 millimeter in diameter. They can develop anywhere on the body but are commonly seen on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin...

). Other conditions managed by Phlebologists include deep venous thrombosis (DVT), superficial thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is phlebitis related to a thrombus . When it occurs repeatedly in different locations, it is known as "Thrombophlebitis migrans" or "migrating thrombophlebitis".-Signs and symptoms:...

, chronic leg ulceration, and venous malformations.

Regulatory requirements for phlebology certification are different in Europe and the USA. Unlike established specialties such as Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Radiology, and Dermatology, Phlebology in the USA does not require any special training. Licensed physician with minimal experience in treating veins can sit for the test, which address basic knowledge of venous diseases. Successful testing results in certification as "Diplomat of the American Board of Phlebology." This results in a wide variation in levels of knowledge and skills possessed by the US phlebologists. Significant proportion of the US phlebologists never had a surgical and/or radiology training, and their practices are limited to treating superficial veins.

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