What is the difference between normal collateral vessels and varices?

Normal and abnormal: The key word is normal. Normal collateral vessels have normal flow and form as result to decreased blood flow (generally because of a blockage) to improve blood flow. Normal collateral vessels most commonly refers to arteries. Varices are abnormal, have abnormal flow, can form in response to a blockage, and never help improve blood flow. Varices always refers to veins.

Defective veins: When muscles contract blood is pushed towards the heart through normal veins. Varicose veins have dysfunctional valves that do not stay closed so gravity pulls the blood right back down keeping them distended, resulting in burning, itching, and swelling. See a vascular specialist. There are great minimally invasive options to treat defective veins.

Bulging Veins.: Varicose veins are bulging grape-like appearing veins which are most commonly seen on the legs. These are due to leaking(refluxing) valves usually in the saphenous system. Some causes include hereditary, pregnancy, trauma and aging. Varicose veins are abnormal veins. Collateral veins are normal veins that are not bulging and are usually straight. They tend to be blue .