Varicose Veins

This is an enormous problem in the U.K. Although varicose veins may just be unsightly, they also have serious consequences such as bleeding, skin irritation and ulceration. They are best treated before they reach this stage.

The Problem: Varicose veins occur in the superficial veins in the leg. These veins have a system of valves which should ensure that the blood runs from the legs back up to the heart. Varicose veins occur when these valves fail, allowing blood to run back down into the veins in the leg, damming up in these veins and causing them to dilate and become varicosed.

All treatment is aimed at removing (traditional surgery) or sealing off (endovenous laser ablation/VENUS Closure/foam sclerotherapy) these veins to prevent this happening.

VNUS  is the same technique as EVLT only using a different heat source, radio frequency energy rather than laser energy.

EVLT® (Endovenous Laser Treatment):  is a state-of-the-art laser treatment for lower extremity venous insufficiency which often leads to varicose veins.

1 week after EVLT® only

 

How does EVLT® Laser Treatment work?

EVLT®  is a minimally invasive procedure where laser energy is delivered to the faulty vein, causing it to close. There are many veins in the leg. So, after treatment, the body simply re-routes blood-flow through other healthy veins.

4 weeks after EVLT® only

What is the actual procedure like?

The EVLT® procedure takes about 45 minutes and is usually performed in the Consulting Room or Theatre and can be performed using a local or general anesthetic. Your physician will insert a thin laser fiber through a sheath into the faulty vein. The laser light will then be emitted through the fiber. As the thermal laser energy is administered, the vein will close from the inside. Only minimal discomfort, if any, is experienced. A stocking will be worn on the leg for 8 - 10 days.

After EVLT® and Sclerotherapy

How soon will I be able to resume normal activities?

Normal activities can be resumed immediately after EVLT® treatment, with the exception of rigorous exercise.

Will the results of EVLT® last?

Results to date show the EVLT® procedure to be durable in the medium term.

Don’t let venous insufficiency keep you from enjoying life fully — it’s time to do something about it. Ask your physician about the EVLT® procedure and find out if it’s right for you.

Foam Sclerotherapy: This involves injecting a sclerosant foam into the varicose veins, thus causing the walls to stick together and prevent blood flow in the leaky or faulty veins. It is performed as a clinic procedure under ultrasound guidance and requires no anaesthetic. The procedure is completely painless. When used on its own it has a higher recurrence rate than EVLT®, but is very useful when used in conjunction with EVLT® to treat veins not suitable for laser therapy.

After EVLT® and Sclerotherapy

What are the other methods of treatment?

Besides compression therapy, the most common form of treatment is surgical ligation and stripping. At least two incisions are required, allowing the physician to tie off and pull out the faulty vein. It is an expensive surgery that requires general anesthesia, hospitalization, may leave scarring and requires a lengthy recovery period.

The Clinic also provides treatment for thread veins and spider veins.