Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. med. Stanislava Tzaneva

Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. med. Stanislava Tzaneva
Medical University of Vienna University Clinic of Dermatology Austria

Phlebology: what challenges does the pandemic bring?
Author: Stanislava Tzaneva

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only far-reaching effects on our private lives, but also on the phlebological practice worldwide.
During the many lockdowns, phlebological interventions were cancelled and postponed in many countries. This not only led to poorer medical care for these patients, but also to psychological consequences. Especially patients with chronic leg ulcers, who are already a vulnerable group due to age, chronic pain, underlying diseases and restricted mobility, suffered from treatment delays and suboptimal therapy.
As phlebologist we are confronted with new entities such as inflammatory deep vein thrombosis and the vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Approximately a third of seriously ill COVID-19 patients develop venous thromboembolism. On the other hand, it is not yet clear how many of the COVID-19-ill outpatients will develop venous thromboembolism.
Due to the widespread use of home office and restrictions due to lockdown and quarantine, there is a reduction in people’s physical activity. As a result, we see a deterioration in many chronic venous and lymphatic diseases due to reduction in muscle and joint pump work.
In summary, phlebology is gaining in importance by increasing the prevalence of venous diseases, deterioration of chronic conditions and new entities during pandemic.

SHORT CV

Position: Head of the Phlebologic-Angiological Unit of the University Clinic of Dermatology Vienna, Austria
Institution: Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Training: Dermatologist, Specialist for venous diseases and vascular medicine
Affiliations: Member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Member of the Board of the Austrian Society of Phlebology and Dermatological Angiology
Member of Austrian Society of Dermatology and Venereology
Member of Austrian Society of Dermatosurgery
Member of the Austrian Working Group Aesthetic Dermatology and Cosmetology
Member of the Austrian Working Group Photo Medicine