Surgery remains the traditional technique for treating varicose veins and requires a general anaesthetic.
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.
Sclerotherapy involves the use of a sclerosant and has been used for many years to treat small varicose veins.
This is an alternative minimally-invasive technique using a similar principle to laser treatment.
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.
Veins are thin-walled blood vessels which return blood to the heart. They contain a system of valves to keep blood flowing in the right direction.
There are two separate networks of veins in the leg which are divided into a superficial and deep system. These two systems are inter-connected at the groin and behind the knee.
Varicose veins occur when there is weakness in the wall of the vein or damage to the valves. This results in an increased pressure inside the vein causing dilatation.
Risk factors include increasing age, pregnancy and previous deep vein thrombosis.
Over 25% of women and 10% of men will be affected by varicose veins at some point in their lives. Some will seek treatment due to the unsightly appearance but varicose veins can also cause significant discomfort in many patients.
Other symptoms commonly described include burning, itching, heaviness, cramps, bleeding or inflammation. If left untreated, varicose veins can sometimes result in eczema-like skin changes and even ulceration in long-standing cases.
Varicose veins can broadly be divided into 2 categories based on their size:
• Truncal veins – large, prominent veins which bulge from under the skin.
• Thread veins (or ‘spider’ veins) – fine, unsightly veins with a red or purple discoloration
Thread veins in the thigh
Truncal veins in the calf
The treatment options for thread veins are different from that for main varicosities. Thread veins treatment is not available on the NHS.
Your initial consultation will involve a short clinical examination to identify the type of varicose veins present and guide the decision regarding the optimum treatment strategy. If you have truncal veins then your clinical examination will also include an ultrasound scan. Vein Solutions provides a comprehensive range of services encompassing both minimally-invasive techniques and conventional vascular surgical procedures to eradicate varicose veins.
