Sclerotherapy

Smaller varicose veins and spider veins are treated mainly via sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a chemical called a sclerosant into the vessels under vision or with the aid of an ultrasound. The sclerosant causes the vessels to scar down and be absorbed by the body over time.

This can take weeks to months to occur. Several sessions of sclerotherapy may be required to fully treat all the veins.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treats varicose veins previously only able to be treated with open, vein stripping surgery. Under ultrasound guidance, a probe is placed into the varicose vein through a tiny incision. The vein is then numbed with local anaesthetic and the RFA probe is activated. This treats the vein by causing sclerosis (scarring) along the length of the vein. Smaller veins are then able to be treated with sclerotherapy or phlebectomy(removal of the veins). It is minimally invasive, leaves almost invisible scars, is almost pain free and is over 95% effective

Vein Glue

The newest treatment for varicose veins utilises a medical grade glue known as cyanoacrylate to seal the varicose vein along its length. The probe is inserted under ultrasound guidance into the vein through a tiny incision. The glue is infused throughout the vein under ultrasound guidance. Once sealed the vein will scar down and the body will absorb it. The smaller veins are then able to be treated with sclerotherapy or phlebectomy. As there is no heat to treat the vein, no local anaesthetic is needed. This makes the process faster, less painful and able to be undertaken in an outpatient setting.

This a new technology and therefore the long term outcomes of this method are less well known.

Open Varicose Vein Surgery

Open vein surgery involves a small cut in the groin, identifying the incompetent vein where it joins the deep vessel and ligating it. The varicose vein is then stripped along its length to ensure adequate treatment. The smaller veins are then able to be treated with sclerotherapy or phlebectomy. Open surgery has practised for many years and is very effective and safe.

RFA is mainly used instead of open surgery, however not all varicose veins can be effectively treated with minimally invasive techniques due to tortuous anatomy, clot or the vein being too large or too small. Attempts to do so will results in increased operations and poor long term results.

This is why it is important to have your veins reviewed by a qualified surgeon who is able to perform the full spectrum of treatments and tailor a care plan to your needs.

Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment

Varicose veins and spider veins result from the valves in the veins not working effectively, causing the veins to swell and bulge as blood pools within them.

Along with the appearance, varicose veins can cause pain, swelling and heaviness in the legs.

Severe varicose veins can cause skin damage and ulceration if not treated.

Dr Werner-Gibbings is interested in all areas of venous disease. He trained under world leading Venous Surgeons Stephen Black and Prakash Saha at St Thomas’ Hospital in London to gain a specialised insight into the complexities of venous disease. As such he is expertly placed to effectively manage your varicose veins with the full spectrum of available treatments.

As a vascular surgeon, he is able to offer the full spectrum of treatment modalities to treat your veins. This is important, as not all vein disease can or should be treated with solely minimally invasive techniques.

Dr Werner-Gibbings believes that treatment should be tailored both to patient’s preference and their specific disease process. He is committed to offering the most appropriate treatment plan for your varicose veins taking all of your anatomical, lifestyle and cosmetic factors into account.

If you are concerned regarding the appearance of your veins, make an appointment with Dr Werner-Gibbings to discuss what options are available to treat your veins .