Varicose Vein Therapy

Screening Ultrasound
Venous Laser Ablation
Sclerotherapy
Stab Phlebectomy

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The most common medical origin of varicose veins is known as “reflux of the greater saphenous vein”. This vein is the major vessel in the superficial venous system, running from the groin to the ankle. The valves in veins allow the blood to flow one way. When valves weaken, the blood flows back into the vein causing it to pool. This is called “reflux”. The major factors associated with vein reflux disease are heredity, gender and age. Obesity, prolonged standing, and physical trauma can speed up or worsen the development of varicose veins.

How Can Varicose Veins Be Treated?

In the past people suffering from varicose veins had only one option for treatment, a painful procedure called vein stripping. It involves surgical tying and stripping of the diseased veins. This surgery requires general anesthesia, making an incision in the groin and tying off and cutting the diseased vein. The affected vein is then stripped out of the leg through an incision at the knee. The problem is cured, but with side effects that include tissue trauma, scarring or possible nerve damage. There is also the risk of general anesthesia and post surgical infection. The recovery for this procedure can take up to a week of bed rest and a week of restricted movement to heal.

With EVLT(Endovascular Laser Treatment or Venacure), the vein is permanently closed off without removing it. EVLT uses a laser fiber threaded through a small incision in the greater saphenous vein to seal the problem blood vessel safely. This effectively re-routes the flow of blood to the healthy veins and eliminates the problem. EVLT takes about 45 minutes to perform. The patient is able to walk out and resume normal activity quickly without any lasting side effects.

Patient Benefits of EVLT

Relief from swelling, cramps and leg heaviness
An improvement in general health
Confidence to “bare” your legs again
Able to renew activities you enjoy without physical discomfort
EVLT cures the problems rather than just slowing its progression (compared with other treatments)
Significant cosmetic improvements in the appearance of the leg (compared to other treatments)
No unpleasant compression stockings needed after the first week following treatment.

Indications For Treatment

Appearance: Bulging Varicose Veins
Pain: Aching, Burning, Heaviness
Swelling: Foot, Ankle, Leg
Dermatitis: Focal, Extensive
Ulceration: Present or Healed
Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Not all patients suffering from vein disease will be suitable candidates for EVLT. Please check with your doctor.

Before & After Photos