VEIN REMOVAL
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CONSULTATION FOR VEIN TREATMENT

Although the presence of varicose veins is usually obvious, a consultation is needed to precisely locate the source of the reflux (backward flow of blood), which may be some distance from the varicose veins themselves. The consultation with the specialist is thorough and unhurried. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and every aspect of your care will be explained to you. A typical consultation has 3 main parts. 

The consultation starts with a thorough investigation into the history of your symptoms, general health, any previous treatment you may have had for your vein condition and also any medication you may be taking. You will have ample opportunity to discuss any concerns that you have. 

In addition to a general examination, you will be examined to check the state of your legs, the extent of any varicose veins, any leg swelling or skin change such as varicose eczema. Your circulation and foot pulses will be felt by the specialist. 

A duplex Ultrasound Scan is an essential part of the consultation. Sound waves are used to build up a picture of the deep veins, the superficial veins under the skin and the varicose veins that may be present. In addition, the direction of blood flow in the veins can be detected with the ultrasound to diagnose sites and pathways of reflux.
 
 
VARICOSE VEINS

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back from the leg towards the heart. There are two sets within the leg. A deep set near the bones and within the muscles and a superficial set under the skin. Most of the blood flowing back towards the heart is carried in the deep set and very little blood flows in the superficial veins. 

When standing, blood must flow uphill. As muscles in the legs contract, they squeeze the deep veins and push blood up the leg. As the muscles relax, blood is prevented from flowing back down the leg by the action of valves. These are delicate folds of the inside lining of the veins. The combined action of the muscles and the valves keeps blood flowing up the leg. Problems with these valves can lead to superficial venous reflux and varicose veins.

 
THREAD VEINS

Thread veins on the legs, commonly known as spider veins or broken veins are very common and can be very unsightly. In addition, they can cause ache, tired legs, itch and "burning" discomfort. Symptoms are often worse at the times of a period or in warm weather. The veins can vary from fine red marks to larger purple or deep blue veins. They can cause significant cosmetic embarrassment and many women will not wear short skirts in the summer months.

The reason why people develop thread veins on the legs is not fully understood but important associations are heredity, pregnancy and hormonal factors. They can also follow minor injuries. 

Thread veins are quite a complex problem. There are many different types of thread vein and they are sometimes associated with underlying varicose veins and superficial venous reflux. In order to get the best results from treatment it is very important to have a proper assessment of the whole vein system in the leg to see if there is any connection between the superficial thread veins and the deeper veins. The importance of this is that if there is a connection which is not treated then back flow and high pressure will work against the treatment, making it less effective.

In many cases, combination treatments for thread veins to include treatment of varicose veins are required. We specialise in the treatment of varicose veins and thread veins on the legs and an ultrasound examination of the whole vein system is part of the consultation. Recent research has shown that nearly all thread veins have a "feeder" vein nearby that also needs treatment. These veins are called reticular veins. As part of the consultation and examination, a careful search is made for the reticular veins and an individual treatment plan is formulated.
 
 

LASER TREATMENT
 
With laser treatment by EVLT (Endo-venous Laser Therapy by Diomed), the veins with faulty valves are sealed under local anaesthesia without surgery. EVLT uses highly targeted laser energy to seal the vein shut so that your leg looks and feels better fast.

• Treatment takes less than 2 hours
• Fast relief of symptoms
• General anaesthetic is usually unnecessary
• No need for hospital stay in most cases
• No surgical scars

EVLT is a quick minimally invasive laser procedure that leaves no scars and be performed as a day case. The treatment takes less than a couple of hours. The following describes the sequence of events: 

• Ultrasound is used to identify the problematic veins
• Local anaesthetic is applied
• A small needle is inserted into the problem vein
• A thin laser fibre is inserted through the needle
• Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein
• Walking is encouraged immediately after the procedure
• There may be minor soreness and bruising

 
 

MICROSCLEROTHERAPY

After treating any underlying varicose veins or superficial venous reflux, an injection technique called "Microsclerotherapy" is used to treat the thread veins directly. A non-toxic chemical is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. This irritates the lining of the vein causing the walls to stick together and prevent blood flowing through the vessel. 

Over a period of time the treated blood vessel is absorbed by the body and eventually disappears. Microsclerotherapy is very effective - after three treatments an 80-90% improvement can be expected.
 


MICROPHLEBECTOMY

Micro phlebectomy (also known as ambulatory phlebectomy or stab avulsion) is a technique to remove varicose veins. In this procedure, several tiny cuts (incisions) are made in the skin through which the varicosed vein is removed. Stitches usually are not required. 

This procedure typically does not require a stay in the hospital. It may be done in your doctor's office under light sedation with local anesthesia. 

Is it safe?

Micro phlebectomy, or stab avulsion, usually does not lead to complications. Possible complications include short-term skin colour change, infection, pain, and tiny red spider veins. 

How well does it work?

Microphlebectomy, or stab avulsion, is less likely to fix varicose veins when the leg veins are not working well. Because that is the case for most varicose veins, this procedure is usually used along with vein surgery or less invasive procedures.
 


 Price On Request 

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