Originally contributed by Dr. Qiang Zhang on the Veinsights . Original Link: here
In contrast to traditional biomedical approaches, the Biopsychosocial Model advocates for a holistic approach to patient care—where healthcare providers assess not just the physical, but also the emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of a patient’s condition. This comprehensive perspective helps guide personalized CHIVA strategies and enhances overall treatment outcomes, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Varicose Veins: A Growing Health Concern
Varicose veins have become one of the most common vascular diseases affecting modern populations. Characterized by the dilation, distortion, and sometimes swelling or ulceration of leg veins, varicose veins significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. Among the various treatment options available, CHIVA (the “Conservative Hemodynamic Treatment of Varicose Veins”) has gained increasing recognition for its minimally invasive nature, personalized approach, and low recurrence rates.
As a vascular surgeon with years of experience in treating varicose veins, I understand that CHIVA represents not only a significant advancement in medical treatment but also brings about substantial psychological and social benefits for patients.
1. CHIVA Treatment: Innovation and Advantages
The essence of CHIVA treatment lies in its ability to restore normal venous blood flow using minimally invasive techniques, in contrast to traditional methods that often involve large-scale vein removal. Here’s why CHIVA stands out:
Personalized Treatment for Targeted Results
CHIVA uses ultrasound guidance to precisely locate and ligate the affected veins, ensuring targeted treatment that restores normal blood flow. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve the removal of diseased veins, CHIVA aims to preserve healthy vessels, reducing unnecessary damage and optimizing outcomes.
Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery
One of CHIVA’s key advantages is its minimal invasiveness. With smaller incisions and less tissue disruption compared to traditional surgery, patients typically experience reduced pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of complications. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, and the need for prolonged hospital stays is minimized, making it a convenient option.
Low Recurrence Rate for Long-Lasting Results
Because CHIVA addresses the root cause of varicose veins—abnormal blood flow—it significantly lowers the risk of recurrence. By restoring proper circulation and reducing blood pooling, CHIVA offers more durable and lasting results than conventional methods.
Broad Range of Applicability
Whether for primary or recurrent varicose veins, CHIVA offers a tailored solution that can be customized to meet the needs of different patients, regardless of the severity of their condition.
2. Psychological Support: Easing Patient Anxiety and Enhancing Confidence
Treating varicose veins involves more than just addressing physical symptoms. The psychological aspect of patient care is also critical. Many patients experience anxiety before surgery due to concerns about pain, recovery time, and potential complications. CHIVA’s minimally invasive nature and quick recovery time significantly alleviate these concerns:
Smaller Incisions, Less Pain, Faster Recovery
Post-operative pain is typically minimal with CHIVA treatment, and recovery is swift. Most patients do not require prolonged medication or extensive time off work, which helps reduce psychological stress and promotes a positive mental outlook.
Transparent Treatment Process Builds Confidence
Throughout the procedure, ultrasound technology allows the physician to visually monitor and guide the treatment in real-time. This transparency provides patients with a clearer understanding of what to expect, enhancing their trust in the process and reducing feelings of uncertainty.
Reduced Anxiety, Improved Compliance
The fast recovery and clear communication about the treatment process help improve patient confidence. As a result, patients are more likely to adhere to post-operative care instructions, which in turn improves the overall success of the treatment.
3. Social Benefits: Reducing Long-Term Costs and Improving Quality of Life
While CHIVA may involve higher upfront costs compared to traditional treatments, its long-term social and economic benefits cannot be overstated:
Reduced Recurrence and Re-Treatment Costs
Thanks to its low recurrence rate, CHIVA minimizes the need for additional treatments or follow-up procedures, saving patients and healthcare systems considerable amounts in the long run.
Shorter Hospital Stays Reduce Financial Burden
With its minimally invasive approach, CHIVA allows for shorter hospital stays, which reduces both medical expenses and the time commitment required for recovery. This can be especially beneficial for patients with financial constraints, as it helps minimize lost income from extended time off work or hospital admissions.
Enhanced Productivity and Economic Impact
CHIVA’s quick recovery means patients can return to work sooner, reducing sick leave and the associated financial losses. Beyond the individual patient, this contributes positively to overall societal productivity and economic stability.
Reduced Long-Term Care Needs
In contrast to traditional surgeries that may require prolonged recovery and ongoing care, CHIVA’s quicker recovery times and lower complication rates reduce the long-term need for follow-up care, easing the burden on both patients and the healthcare system.
4. The Scarcity of CHIVA-Qualified Physicians and the Challenge of Training
Despite the many advantages of CHIVA, the number of trained physicians proficient in this technique remains limited globally. CHIVA is a high-precision, minimally invasive procedure that requires considerable expertise and clinical experience to perform effectively. Therefore, specialized training is crucial:
High Technical Demands
CHIVA requires not only a thorough understanding of vascular anatomy but also advanced skills in ultrasound-guided techniques and vein ligation. These skills take time to develop, and physicians must undergo extensive training to achieve a high level of proficiency.
The CHIVA Training Program: A Global Initiative
To address the shortage of qualified CHIVA practitioners, Dr. Smile Medical Group has partnered with top European Phlebologists and INTELEOS, a leading medical certification body, to launch a global CHIVA training program. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive, specialized training for vascular surgeons worldwide, allowing them to learn the procedure in a structured environment while sharing insights and experiences with leading experts in the field.
The Future of CHIVA Treatment and Its Challenges
CHIVA represents a significant advancement in the management of varicose veins, offering patients a solution that is minimally invasive, personalized, and highly effective in the long term. Although the initial costs may be higher, the overall benefits—including reduced recurrence, shorter recovery times, and lower healthcare costs—make CHIVA a wise choice from both a clinical and a social perspective.
However, the success of CHIVA depends on the proficiency of the physicians who perform it. Specialized training programs are therefore crucial for widespread adoption of this treatment. Initiatives like the CHIVA Global Training Program aim to equip more physicians with the skills they need, ultimately improving patient outcomes and making this revolutionary treatment more accessible worldwide.