Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy is the most common vein treatment. It works by injecting a clear solution into the vein, this solution acts on the vein by collapsing it and makes it stick together. The body then work to absorb the vein and subsequently the veins shrink and dissipate.

UGS is used to block off smaller diameter saphenous veins or large tributaries by injection using ultrasound to guide the needle to the vein. Our results published in the European Journal of Vascular Surgery show a low risk of complications and good results but with a need to repeat treatment at a later date in some patients. However, it’s always necessary to discuss the possible risks before any treatment.

Worldwide the trend in recent years has been to use sclerosant made up as foam. However, it is now known that this can lead to bubbles passing to the brain and there is a small number of reported strokes. Accordingly, this practice has reverted to liquid sclerotherapy. However this may lead to a need for greater numbers of treatment sessions.

EVLT uses laser energy delivered in a thin fibre-optic probe to treat the underlying cause of the varicose veins. Performing under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia allows a more gentle “minimally invasive” approach to the treatment of varicose veins. There is minimal pain scarring.

• Varicose veins
• Spider veins