specialists in non-surgical treatment of varicose veins
Transcription
specialists in non-surgical treatment of varicose veins
SPECIALISTS IN NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS Clinics throughout the UK Vein treatment of the future here today 2 Vein treatment of the future here today BE HAPPY WITH YOUR LEGS The way our legs look and feel profoundly plan effective, safe and aesthetically pleasing prices surprisingly affordable and certainly very affects our enjoyment of life. Up to a third treatment undertaken under local anaesthetic on competitive. We try to keep in touch with charges of the population suffer from varicose veins an outpatient basis. There is no need for time off quoted by other clinics but in the unlikely event which can make their lives a misery. Many work and minimal discomfort and risk. that you find cheaper quotes elsewhere please let us know. people are so embarrassed that they hide their legs even from their partners. The thought We are a specialist vein treatment provider. of wearing shorts or skirts in public is out of Veins are what we do and all we do. We do not We regularly treat patients from all over the UK the question. Embarrassment and distressing dabble in other cosmetic/aesthetic treatments. and abroad. symptoms prevent enjoyment of popular We were established specifically to treat varicose sports and frequently affect choice of holiday veins unlike some general cosmetic chains who destination. Some worry about the long-term have branched out into vein treatments. health effects and the risks of ulcers. All our treatments are carried out by Venous We at Veincentre understand the distress this Specialists who have extensive personal common condition causes and are committed experience in the non-surgical management of to providing a comprehensive, friendly yet varicose veins. “Get your confidence back!” professional service utilising the very latest in modern technology. Gone are the days when Although our primary aim is to provide first surgical stripping was the only real option. Using class safe and effective modern treatment state of the art image guidance we can accurately we also pride ourselves on the efficiency of diagnose precisely where the problem lies and our organisation. This enables us to keep our 3 Vein treatment of the future here today WHY SHOULD VARICOSE VEINS BE TREATED? Although many patients don’t bother to get their 1. Varicose veins are an indicator of an 3. Varicose veins are a significant cosmetic varicose veins treated or are refused treatment underlying valve problem which increases embarrassment to many patients (or to on the NHS there are many good reasons to the pressure in the veins in the legs. This their partners or children!). This often consider treatment. The refusal of the NHS to pressure over time causes deterioration prevents participation in sports, swimming fund treatment for varicose veins may well turn in the quality of the skin. This is often etc. and changes normal lifestyles. out to be a false economy in the longer term. manifested by discolouration and, if left Excellent cosmetic results can usually be untreated, may result in a painful ulcer. achieved by appropriate treatment. Early appropriate treatment prevents this problem. 4. We do not, however, believe in over diagnosing. There is absolutely no point in 2. Varicose veins are usually symptomatic. screening for venous problems if you have Most patients complain of symptoms like no visible unsightly veins and no symptoms. itching, restless legs, aching, cramps Some clinics advertise “Screening for Vein and tired legs. Those who thought their Problems” This is just a PR exercise aimed problem was just cosmetic usually report at boosting business and has no health or that their legs feel so much better after cosmetic benefit. Even if it is discovered by treatment and they had forgotten what a such screening scans that you already have normal pair of legs felt like and worked venous valve problems it will do no harm like! Appropriate treatment quickly resolves whatsoever to wait until such time as you these symptoms. develop symptoms or develop varicose or thread veins which you want to eradicate. 4 Vein treatment of the future here today WHY CHOOSE VEINCENTRE? Are all the doctors VENOUS specialists? Do they specifically audit the results of all Most vascular surgeons offering these treatments venous treatments? spend the majority of their time treating arterial If so what are the results? problems rather than venous problems. Success rates? There is a bewildering array of clinics now Do they offer a full range of specialist venous Patient satisfaction? offering treatments for varicose veins. Most of treatments? How often do they actually perform traditional surgery rather than the promised minimally these are general private hospitals or cosmetic clinic chains with no specialist focus on vein How many treatments have they actually treatment. Veincentre is a specialist vein performed and how long does it normally treatment clinic. We just do veins and as a take them to do a typical EVLA procedure? invasive treatment? What proportion of their patients end up paying for additional “essential” treatments? consequence all our staff, including those who answer the phones, have specific knowledge Can they undertake consultation, scan and of your problem and the treatment options. treatment on the same visit? What is the price of treatment and what does Experience of the doctors is crucial in developing In many hospitals you will have to attend that include? the necessary diagnostic and technical skills and separately for a consultation again for a scan the judgement to decide how best to treat you. again for a follow up and yet again for treatment! What is the average TOTAL charge once treatment completed? Not only do we provide the best vein treatments available but we do so at a sensible price. Before If they are offering a “free” consultation is This can be very different from the advertised deciding which clinic to attend we suggest you this with a doctor or a nurse and does this headline price! ask the following questions. include a scan? 5 Remember life before varicose veins? Vein treatment of the future here today OUR PROMISES Although no doctor can or should offer 6. To keep up to date with the very latest 11. We will not try to justify treating incidental treatment we can make certain reassuring promises. 1. 7. To let you know, if you want to know, and irrelevant findings on scans to increase our clinics’ results, success rates and charges. complications. To treat every patient with respect as an 12. individual, determining their personal needs, wishes, and expectations. To treat only that which is necessary to treat to achieve a good long term result. developments in the field. guarantees of success or satisfaction of any 8. To fully inform you of all costs prior to To communicate with you in a timely and understandable fashion. treatment starting and to keep all charges 2. competitive and reasonable. To be honest and realistic in our assessment of likely outcomes of treatment. 9. 3. To offer treatment on the basis of potential To pay scrupulous attention to hygiene benefit (physical, psychological, or just and technique to minimise the chance of social) and not to discriminate against infection or other complication. anyone on account of e.g. age, weight, personal reasons for requesting treatment. 4. To offer the option of the least invasive appropriate treatments. 10. To provide sufficient information to enable you, the patient, to make the decision that 5. To inform you of all treatment options for is right for you as to whether to undergo your condition. treatment and by which means. 7 Vein treatment of the future here today Gross varicosities before and after EVLA. Thread veins before and after sclerotherapy. 8 Typical varicose veins on back of leg. Ulceration from untreated perforator. Vein treatment of the future here today A REFRESHING CHANGE OF ATTITUDE Experience of trying to get your varicose veins assessed through traditional routes can be frustrating At Veincentre we pledge to neither judge nor to say the least. patronise. We will inform you of the potential This is especially so since NHS hospitals now rarely treat varicose veins. Does any of this sound familiar? • “They’re not bad enough!” benefits and risks and leave it to you to decide if active treatment is for you and if so by what method. In particular old age and being overweight are no reason to deny someone treatment even if it is for a cosmetic problem only. • “Wear these stockings & come back in 6 months” • “Go away & lose some weight” • “You’ve had surgery once; it’s more difficult and dangerous the second time round” • “You’re too old, it’s not worth the risk” • “Try this ointment” • “There’s nothing wrong with you! What are you moaning about?” 9 Vein treatment of the future here today DR DAVID WEST M.B.CH.B., D.M.R.D., F.R.C.R., E.B.I.R. the great pioneers of Interventional Radiology, David has also appeared on programmes about Anders Lunderquist and Duncan Irving, before varicose veins on BBC radio and television moving to take up a consultant position at and in numerous national newspaper and the University Hospital of North Staffordshire magazine articles. He is a luminary teacher for in 1989. He developed one of the largest EVLA Expert and a faculty member of both the Interventional Radiology practices in the UK and European School of Interventional Radiology has undertaken thousands of minimally invasive (ESIR) and the Charing Cross international varicose vein procedures. vascular symposium, training doctors from all over Europe in EVLA and associated procedures. As one of the very first doctors in the UK to go He heads a select hand picked team of Venous to the States and train in the EVLT® technique Specialists chosen for their exceptional technical he has one of the most extensive personal skills and experience and their calming, confident experiences of this treatment. This experience and friendly bedside manner. David is Medical Director and established has led to him regularly being invited to lecture on Veincentre in 2004 as the first British company the subject at National and International medical David is married to Deborah who is Business specialising in minimally invasive out-patient conferences. He is a fellow of the Cardiovascular Manager and a Director of the company. They laser treatment for varicose veins. He trained and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe have four children and live in rural Shropshire in Medicine and Surgery at Leeds medical (CIRSE) and other prestigious medical societies accompanied by various ducks, a hamster and a school qualifying in 1979. He specialised in and has written chapters on the management black Labrador called Mia. the then new field of Interventional Radiology of venous insufficiency in major textbooks of gaining experience in Sweden and London with radiology and many articles in medical journals. 11 Vein treatment of the future here today LET US HELP YOU FEEL CONFIDENT AGAIN! Our treatment choices are suitable for all patients. They range from lifestyle advice and reassurance, through simple injection sclerotherapy for thread veins, foam sclerotherapy injections and microavulsions for small varicosities to EVLA laser therapy, Clarivein®, Superglue, RFITT® and VNUS Closure® for even the grossest of leg varicosities. We also offer embolisation treatment for those increasing numbers whose varicose veins originate in the pelvis, stent insertion for obstructive deep vein disease, microphlebectomy laser and RF ablation for perforators. In fact a comprehensive range of treatments allowing almost every sufferer to avoid surgery and general anaesthesia if they so wish. 12 No clinic offers a wider choice of modern treatments Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... EVLA Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) was EVLA has a very good safety record with wear compression stockings for a week or 2 developed by New York Interventional significant complications being virtually unknown. after the treatment and we advise you do not fly Radiologist Dr Robert Min in 1999. It is now the In our hands it is over 98% successful at long distance (out of Europe) for 4 weeks but commonest non-surgical treatment method for obliterating the cause of the varicosities and otherwise you can get on with your life as normal varicose veins. It is carried out on an outpatient over 95% of patients are happy with the results. and need no time off work. basis under local anaesthetic. Using ultrasound Recurrence of varicosities after EVLA is very guidance a needle is placed in the vein which uncommon. In our experience this occurs We routinely use the very latest “gentler” needs destroying; a laser fibre is threaded in under 2% of cases which compares with 1470nm lasers and you can choose to have the up the vein and the vein literally cooked so reported recurrence after surgery of over 20%. Radial fibre laser which some evidence suggests that it shrinks down and stops carrying blood. EVLA is used to treat about 80% of our patients. causes less post procedure discomfort. There is The lasering is painless but you will get some The procedure takes about 20-40 minutes per a small additional charge for this as the fibres are discomfort from the local anaesthetic injections. leg. You are likely to require some sclerotherapy more expensive. This is the stage of the treatment which is or avulsions in addition for management of any technically most challenging. Experience and residual varicosities. Side effects from EVLA are skill is required to do this quickly and with the minor but do expect bruising, some discomfort minimum of discomfort. This is analgous to most apparent at 5 days and a tight feeling as dental work where patients find huge differences the vein contracts. Serious complications almost from one dentist to another in how much the never happen but could theoretically include injections hurt them. An injection from a good DVT (deep vein thrombosis), skin burns, nerve dentist is hardly noticed! damage causing patches of skin numbness, leg swelling, arterial damage. You will have to 13 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... VNUS CLOSURE ® AND RFITT ® VNUS Closure® and RFITT® are trademarks in addition for management of any residual almost totally painless and there is little bruising. for a type of minimally invasive varicose vein varicosities. RF Ablation has a very good safety However it is not suitable for many patients treatment called RF Ablation. Although originally record with significant complications being (eg, very tortuous veins and very short veins) undertaken under general anaesthetic and quite virtually unknown. It is over 98% successful at whereas laser can be used for almost all patients. a slow process, recent developments with what obliterating the cause of the varicosities and The risk of serious side effects like burns and are called VNUS Closure FAST™ catheters have over 90% of patients are happy with the results. thrombosis although low appears greater than allowed the treatment to be undertaken under Recurrence of varicosities after RF Ablation is with laser. The discomfort with laser is usually local anaesthesia and much more quickly. very uncommon. In our experience this occurs minimal anyway and does not prevent return to in less than 2% which compares with recurrence normal activities and the bruising is covered by after surgery of over 20%. the stockings for the 2 weeks that it lasts. to be closed off through a needle puncture Side-effects from RF Ablation are minor but do For these reasons most patients prefer laser just like EVLA. Instead of laser light energy an expect slight bruising and a tight feeling as the over RF Ablation. Certainly it is our view that electric current is passed through the vein wall vein contracts. Serious complications almost all clinics offering a minimally invasive varicose to heat it up in a controlled fashion. This heating never happen but could theoretically include vein service should have access to RF Ablation, causes the vein wall to shrink and the vein to DVT (deep vein thrombosis), skin burns, nerve TRLOP and laser. To save money many close off. Just like laser (EVLA) the heating is damage causing patches of skin numbness, leg hospitals only provide one treatment method but painless but you will get some discomfort from swelling, arterial damage. RF Ablation costs more this denies patients choice and means that many the local anaesthetic injections. The procedure than laser as the single use catheters are more still have unnecessary surgery. takes about 20-40 minutes. You are likely to expensive than the laser kits. There are minor require some injection treatment or avulsions advantages of RF Ablation over laser ie. it is VNUS Closure® and RFITT® use a thin catheter which is passed into the vein which requires 14 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY Sclerotherapy (injection treatment) has been used Foam sclerotherapy is virtually painless just for decades to treat varicose veins with variable involving one or two small needle punctures into results. It is still the treatment of choice for thread the affected veins. After treatment you will have veins but for larger veins the results of just to wear the dreaded compression stockings for injecting liquids are not good. a week or two. You may need more than one sclerotherapy session to achieve the desired Foam sclerotherapy is a simple and recent result. modification of the traditional injections which is far more effective. The liquids are transformed Like EVLA and RF Ablation serious complications into a foam, like shaving foam consistency with foam sclerotherapy are very rare but it is and injected precisely into the correct place possible for any of the following to happen: by ultrasound guidance. These two simple allergic reactions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), modifications have revolutionised injection temporary (10 minutes) eye sight disturbances, therapy and mean that many patients can be ulceration of skin. The commonest problem effectively treated by injections alone. Some with foam sclerotherapy is staining of the skin doctors even use foam as a substitute for major which can take several weeks to go. If large surgical stripping but we believe that laser and veins are treated some patients experience an RF ablation are more effective and durable for uncomfortable phlebitis but this can usually be this purpose and reserve foam injections for relieved by aspirating though a needle. those varicosities that persist after laser or RF treatment. 15 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... TRLOP Although most varicose veins are caused by destroy them using either RF or laser energy in a faulty valves in the long main veins in the legs technique called TRLOP (Transluminal occlusion and are adeqautely treated by laser or RF of perforators). ablation some are caused by faulty valves in perforator veins which directly communicate TRLOP is a very useful tool in our armamentarium between the veins lying deep inside the leg and for both simple varicose veins and for treatment those on the surface. of serious problems like ulcers. Many patients will be dissatisfied with their treatment if a If the one way valves in these perforators break simple means of dealing with these incompetent down then high pressure blood from deep inside perforators is not available. There is only a the leg is forced out to the surface causing handful of clinics with much experience of varicosities and often tenderness, pain and skin TRLOP treatment of perforators in the UK. changes. Ulcers are often found to have a faulty perforator vein immediately under them. It is important to note however that many incompetent perforator veins do not require this It is important to detect and decide when these treatment and will regain their competence by need treating but many doctors ignore these treatment only to the main vein by LASER. important perforator veins. We will NOT overtreat and will always do what When we discover faulty perforator veins and is necessary and only what is necessary to get a determine that they require direct treatment we good durable result. 16 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... AVULSIONS Traditional surgery for varicose veins involves nicks in the skin require no stitches but are sealed tying off and stripping the main truncal veins (the with bits of sticky tape. Stockings are applied for underlying cause) under general anaesthetic. two weeks. At the same time the varicosities (the branches of the truncal veins) that most patients are Avulsions cannot be performed like this on all concerned about are removed through small patients as there is a limit to the amount of local incisions. anaesthetic that can be used on one patient at one time. It is more likely to be possible if only With endovenous techniques like EVLA RFITT one leg is treated. and VNUS Closure® the varicosities are usually dealt with by foam sclerotherapy injections after Side effects are rare but expect some bruising, 6 weeks. This works well in most patients and the a little discomfort and the possibility of longer delay means that some patients require no further term skin staining. Cosmetic results are usually treatment and others very little. Some patients excellent and most patients are happy with however prefer to have all the treatment carried the results. out at one sitting and this can be achieved by the use of avulsions rather than injections. Avulsions can be performed under local rather than general anaesthetic. A needle is used to make tiny incisions over the varicosities and then they are teased out using miniature “crochet” hooks. The 17 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... NEEDLE FREE TREATMENTS For the majority of patients thermal ablation anaesthetic. These are Clarivein and Sapheon is best for them. All patients and all veins are (Laser or RF) is the best treatment. It can be (Superglue) both of which are available at not equal. Not all veins are suitable for these used on almost all cases of varicose veins and Veincentre. treatments. Although these two new methods avoid the discomfort of the local anaesthetic there is extensive literature from scientific studies demonstrating excellent clinical results, an CLARIVEIN works by a combination of a rotating needles there can be some pain after the almost perfect safety record and durability of the wire which scratches the vein wall and at the procedure, particularly with Superglue, from results over many years. It is for this reason that same time a chemical sclerosant is injected. This phlebitis. Perhaps the biggest downside however NICE recommends that all varicose veins are combination works better than sclerosants alone. is the limited evidence of long term effectiveness treated this way. All this is carried out through just one tiny skin and safety compared with thermal ablation. puncture and is painless. We do not know for sure yet whether these techniques are as effective as durable or as safe. It does however have one drawback. Local anaesthetic must be administered to ensure SAPHEON (Superglue) relies on sticking the Almost inevitably these techniques are also more no pain is felt during the heating process. This walls of the vein together using a medical grade expensive although our prices are still the most anaesthetic is delivered through needles and Superglue. This too is carried out through just one competitive of any in the UK. although these are tiny and in our hands most tiny skin puncture and the procedure is painless. patients tolerate the procedure very well, there are some patients who are seriously needle phobic. So what’s the snag? Why not use these techniques routinely? Well all techniques have Over recent years two new techniques have advantages and downsides. Each patient must been developed which can painlessly ablate be carefully assessed and decide on the basis veins and hence do not require the local of the evidence in their case which technique 18 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR TREATMENTS... OTHER TECHNIQUES Although the majority of patients with varicose leaking veins by inserting little coils of wire. This veins of the legs can be adequately treated using is called embolisation and is also used to treat EVLA, VNUS Closure®, RFITT®, Clarivein®, pelvic congestion syndrome, a common yet sclerotherapy, Superglue or TRLOP, there are underdiagnosed complaint which causes chronic some who represent a more serious challenge pelvic pain and, in men, the equivalent problem requiring other minimally invasive techniques. of varicocele which presents as an aching “bag We have extensive experience of using movie of worms” in the scrotum. X-rays to guide catheters and wires and in some patients the use of X-rays can be crucial to Many patients are concerned with the success. We are one of very few centres in the appearance of thread veins. These are normally UK who have access to X-ray guidance of these best treated with microsclerotherapy but techniques. some are too small and require Veinwave® Veins in other sites Prominent veins can occur in other parts of the body. It is not just a leg problem! Unlike most clinics we have experience of managing unsightly veins on the breasts (especially common after implants), the chest, the vulva, the scrotum and the face. We employ a specialist oculoplastic surgeon to treat prominent veins around the eyes. thermocoagulation.We are at, and will remain Some patients’ problems are caused by a at, the cutting edge of new developments in vein narrowing in the large veins in the pelvis. In treatments. such cases it is no use just treating the varicose veins in the legs but the root cause must be fixed. We use metallic stents to keep the vein open. Others are caused by faulty ovarian veins in the abdomen and in these cases we use movie X-rays to guide catheters to seal off the 19 Vein treatment of the future here today Before After Before After Before After Before After 20 Vein treatment of the future here today QUALITY CONTROL The quality of our service is our number one a pain to fill in but sincerely hope that you will Although we have to warn all patients about the priority. complete those we give you both before and after risk of all potential complications that have been treatment so we can objectively assess what we reported anywhere in the world, in our Veincentre Registration with the Care Quality commission, are doing well and where we still need to improve. clinics we have seen no serious complications professional bodies like the GMC and Royal We have tried to make completion of these as like DVT, pulmonary embolism, major nerve Colleges, large insurance companies like BUPA simple and quick as possible. injury, arterial injury or leg swelling. In-case of any unforeseen adverse event for which we are liable and AXA-PPP and professional indemnity and public liability insurers demand that certain basic We know that patients need reassurance that we carry public liability and professional indemnity standards are maintained and audited. they are being treated by staff who know what insurance up to £10,000,000. they are doing. We only employ consultants who Many of these standards however are general, have wide experience and proven expertise in applying to all acute hospitals and a multitude non-surgical varicose vein treatment. No-one will of clinical problems. We have gone further than be practising on you! Infection is also a worry required of us by these regulatory bodies and set to many patients. To reassure you on this ALL rigorous standards specific to an outpatient based equipment that comes into contact with your body varicose vein service. during your treatment is SINGLE USE ONLY and thrown away at the end of the procedure. This To audit (ie. Measure and make sure we may cost more but avoids any nagging doubt meet) these standards requires extensive and about picking up infections from previous patients. exhaustive data collection on our part but we also We have never had any cases of infection after need your help. We know questionnaires are any of our varicose vein treatments. 21 Vein treatment of the future here today OUR CLINICS 22 Vein treatment of the future here today VEINCENTRE TESTIMONIALS The great majority (95%) of our patients are completely satisfied with the service and the results of their treatment and we receive many letters of appreciation. A typical example is reproduced here. We do understand that clinics could just make up such testimonials and therefore we do our utmost to reassure potential patients by enabling all past patients to put reviews of their service on an independent website. This is managed by Bazaarvoice the world leaders in online rating systems. All reviews are moderated by Bazaarvoice to ensure that fake reviews to either promote ones own service or damage a competitor’s reputation are detected and removed. You can read these reviews by following the link Dear Dr West, I am writing to thank you for the recent treatment to my leg veins. Some years ago I had similar problems with my other leg and had injections and surgery as an inpatient in hospital. The process was uncomfortable, the recovery time was lengthy and I still have scars. I was a little apprehensive about the treatment you offer as it is still relatively new in this country but decided to give it a try. From the explanation you gave me on my first visit and the comprehensive paperwork about the procedure, to my check up visit yesterday, everything went exactly as was predicted. The operation itself was nothing like as uncomfortable as I thought it might be and the friendliness of everyone there made it almost interesting to follow. The best thing was being able to go straight home and carry on as normal. As you predicted, slight pain/soreness on the fifth day (and the bandage felt tight at the end of the week) but nothing more than that. I was amazed at how painless the whole thing was and would recommend the procedure to anyone - so much better than going into hospital. I also appreciated the ‘phone call after a few days , to ask how I felt and if I had any problems (I didn’t of course). on our website. Although I could have simply written a short “Thank you” I felt by going into some detail you may show this letter to anyone who may be a little hesitant. We are also happy to put you in touch with Many thanks again previous patients so you can talk with them about what it was really like! PH (Mrs) 23 Vein treatment of the future here today It’s time to get those veins sorted, show off your legs again, and get your old life back! No scars. No cuts. No time off work. No general anaesthesia. www.veincentre.com Call 01782 753960 Registered with the CARE QUALITY COMMISSION Reg. No. 1-136108318 Head Office: Veincentre Ltd. Unit 6 Lyme Vale Court Parklands Stoke on Trent ST4 6NW EVLT® - laser therapy VNUS® RFITT® CLARIVEIN® SAPHEON®