Understanding the Minimally-Invasive Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Living with varicose veins can be a challenging experience, affecting both your comfort and confidence. The team at Vein Health Medical Clinic, is here to change that. We’re committed to offering you a comprehensive range of advanced, minimally-invasive treatments that address your unique needs and help you step into a life of comfort and confidence. Watch the video as Dr Peter explains the different ways of treating varicose veins.
Unravelling The Issue: Comprehensive Assessment
In addressing varicose veins, the first step is to understand the full picture of your venous health. Our skilled phlebologist Dr Peter Paraskevas will conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes discussing your medical history, performing a clinical examination, and conducting a crucial Duplex Ultrasound scan. This scan provides insights into the full extent of your varicose veins, allowing us to establish a tailored, effective treatment plan.
Navigating The Treatment Landscape: Advanced Varicose Vein Options
Our approach to your vein health is centred around providing minimally invasive treatments that are often used in combination for maximum effectiveness. Let’s explore some of these options in more detail:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): This pioneering procedure was introduced as a non-invasive alternative to traditional varicose veins stripping. It utilises laser energy to seal larger varicose veins that are often hidden. The leg is numbed, and a fibre-optic laser is inserted into the vein. As the laser is activated and withdrawn, it heats and seals the vein. This treatment is performed as a walk-in, walk-out procedure under local anaesthesia, allowing you to return to your daily activities without delay. However, some discomfort is expected and can be managed with a Class II compression stocking and mild analgesics.
- Radio Frequency Ablation: Uses microwave energy delivered through a specialised catheter with a heating coil at its tip, to seal off the vein. After administration of local anaesthetic, the radio frequency catheter is inserted into the vein and the heating coil is activated, sealing off the problematic vein. It’s similar to laser treatment and patients often experience a slightly better recovery with less bruising and less discomfort, due to the controlled delivery of microwave energy.
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy: Ultrasound-Guided sclerotherapy is an extremely useful procedure for varicose veins and can be used as a standalone treatment or together with laser, radio-frequency or glue treatment. This versatile treatment involves injecting a special foam solution directly into the varicose vein under ultrasound guidance, causing the vein to collapse and seal off. This treatment requires expert ultrasound skills for accurately identifying and treating the abnormal varicose veins. Following the procedure you will be required to wear a compression stocking and walk half an hour a day for up to two weeks.
- Surface Sclerotherapy: This common procedure involves injecting a liquid sclerosant into surface veins and capillaries. The sclerosant causes these veins to collapse and shut down, with the treated veins gradually absorbed by the body over a period of three to six months. This method is frequently used to treat spider veins and visible surface veins without the need for ultrasound guidance.
- Medical Grade Superglue: This innovative treatment involves delivering medical-grade glue into the varicose vein, instantly sealing it shut. Blood flow is immediately redirected to normal healthy veins. This treatment doesn’t require local anaesthesia, and you can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This procedure involves the surgical removal of visible varicose veins through tiny needle-hole incisions. The varicose veins are then removed in small segments. Despite being a surgical procedure, it’s performed on an outpatient basis and recovery is immediate, allowing you to return to work the following day.
Choosing Your Path: The Importance of Individualised Treatment
At Vein Health Medical Clinic, we believe in crafting treatment plans that are as unique as you are. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to varicose veins. It requires the correct combination of procedures to achieve the best outcome. A thorough diagnosis is crucial before embarking on any of the treatments and this should be carried out by a doctor who is trained to treat all types of varicose veins from start to finish.
This is why we ensure you are fully informed about all the treatment options available, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health. You can trust us to guide you on your journey towards healthier veins and a happier, more confident life.
