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Surgery remains the traditional technique for treating varicose veins and requires a general anaesthetic. |
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EVLT involves the introduction of a thin tube (catheter) into the main superficial vein on the inside of the thigh through a small skin incision over the inside of the knee. |
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Sclerotherapy involves the use of a sclerosant and has been used for many years to treat small varicose veins.
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This is an alternative minimally-invasive technique using a similar principle to laser treatment. |
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This involves injecting a small amount of a sclerosant into the inside of the thread veins using a very fine needle. Alternatively a very fine needle is introduced over the vein which transmits a local heating effect making the vein disappear instantly in most cases.
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Sclerotherapy involves the use of a sclerosant (a substance which seals up blood vessels when injected) and has been used for many years to treat small varicose veins. Over recent years a technique has been developed which allows sclerotherapy to be used to treat larger varicose veins (up to 1cm in diameter). This involves mixing the sclerosant with air bubbles to create a foam.
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This procedure is performed in the outpatient clinic. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the skin and using ultrasound scanning, a small amount of foam is injected into the vein being treated while the leg is elevated. Following the procedure a bandage and stocking are sited on the leg which need to remain in place for around 1 week. The stocking should be worn for a further week after the bandage is removed. Some patients will require a second injection for residual veins after a period of 4-6 weeks. Most patients
are able to return to their normal routine within 24 hours.
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Foam sclerotherapy is successful in most patients. The recurrence rate is higher in comparison to open surgery. This means that some patients will require further injection 3-5 years post treatment.
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