About two-thirds of leg ulcers are due to a problem with the veins draining the leg. Veins carry blood back to the heart. If they are not working properly, high pressure develops in the leg which can ultimately lead to ulcers. Venous ulcers usually occur around the ankle but can occasionally occur on the foot.
The most common veins problem in LUCI patients is varicose veins. Some patients have a problem with deeper veins in the leg and pelvis due to previous deep vein clots. In other patients, congenital problems with the pelvic veins can lead ultimately to leg ulcers.
Most venous leg ulcer patients are offered a local anaesthetic procedure on their varicose veins at their first visit. These venous procedures are performed in Roscommon. Some patients e.g. those with a previous history of a deep vein clot need further tests such as CT scans and may ultimately need a pelvic veins procedure which are performed in Galway.
