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Vascular clinic
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by blood collecting in superficial veins which lie just beneath the skin, often in the legs. These veins have a series of valves which help blood back towards the heart, but in some cases the valves become weakened or damaged and no longer close properly.
When this occurs, blood is able to flow backwards; collecting in the vein. This becomes visible on the surface of the skin as a varicose vein. A varicose vein often appears engorged or twisted, and can be a blue or dark purple colour on the skin. Varicose veins do not tend to get better without treatment, and usually get worse with time.
What does varicose vein treatment involve?
There are different options available for the treatment of varicose veins, both surgical and non-surgical. The surgical procedure is often considered the most effective varicose vein treatment; it involves removing the vein while under a general anaesthetic.
The non-surgical types of procedure include either injecting foam into the vein, which is guided by ultrasound, or heating up the vein to seal it from within by passing a probe into the vein.
The VNUS Closure® Procedure at Spire Liverpool Hospital
The VNUS Closure® procedure is available at Spire Liverpool Hospital. The VNUS Closure can treat leg pain and varicose veins by treating venous reflux disease in superficial venous system, often the underlying cause of painful varicose veins. Superficial venous reflux disease is progressive - symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated.
Are you a candidate?
Many factors contribute to the presence of venous reflux disease, including age, gender, family history, multiple pregnancies, obesity, and working in a standing profession.
Using ultrasound to scan your leg(s), your vascular surgeon will determine if superficial venous reflux is present. Speak with your surgeon about determining your candidacy for the VNUS Closure® procedure.
What's involved in VNUS Closure®?
The VNUS Closure® procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your surgeon will position the closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter powered by radio-frequency (RF) energy delivers heat to the vein wall. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and the vein is sealed closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your surgeon may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. Patients who undergo the closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.
The Benefits of VNUS Closure®
The benefits of the procedure over other techniques are believed to include reduced need for pain killers, the ability to resume normal activities within one to two days, and a good cosmetic outcome with minimal or no scarring, bruising or swelling.
The closure procedure is also covered by most health insurance companies. To make an appointment please call 0151 522 1881 or make an online enquiry.
Surgical removal
A technique named ‘ligation and stripping’ is one of the more commonly performed methods used to remove varicose veins. This involves tying off and removing the affected vein in the leg. The ligation and stripping procedure is usually done under a general anaesthetic as a day case, however an overnight stay may be required if you are having operations on both legs.
To book an appointment call 0151 522 1881 or click here for more information.
Finance options for varicose vein removal at Spire Liverpool Hospital
Varicose vein removal at Spire Liverpool Hospital may be more affordable than you think.
Spread the cost over 10 months with our easy finance options* and have beautiful legs this summer from £207** a month
Call our friendly customer service team on 0151 522 1881 to book a consultation.
* interest free finance – 0% representative APR available (T&Cs apply) contact First Medical Loans on 01332 680400 for more information and eligibility requirements
**Guide price only based on two legs treated with 25% deposit paid in advance