Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and bulging superficial veins, most commonly in the legs, caused by weak or damaged valves that causing increased pressure to build up within the superficial venous system.
Symptoms can include aching, heaviness, itching, and swelling, and in some cases, they can lead to complications like skin changes or ulcers if left untreated. Varicose veins and less severe spider veins can also be a significant cosmetic concern for patients.
There are several treatment options for varicose veins these are usually minimally invasive day procedures. Prior to exploring treatment options with Dr Nathan Biggs will ensure you have had an ultrasound of the veins in your leg so that treatment can be targeted to your individual case.
This is a minimally invasive (endovenous) day procedure where a radiofrequency ablation catheter is introduced into a targeted vein the leg. Under ultrasound guidance and following the administration of local anaesthetic this catheter then heats up within the vein to close/block off the culprit vein. Dr Nathan Biggs will perform this procedure in hospital with an anaesthetist.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive option for treating spider veins and small varicose veins by injecting a solution into the vein to collapse and close it. This solution irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to scar and be absorbed by the body over time, with blood being rerouted to healthy vein. Dr Nathan Biggs offers rooms-based sclerotherapy injections and will take between 15-20 mins to perform.
There are some circumstances where open venous procedures are required. This usually involves a combination of ligation and or phlebectomies (extraction of a varicose vein through a small incision). Open venous procedures maybe performed under local or general anaesthetic. These procedures are typically performed as day cases, but can have a slightly longer recovery time comparted to endovenous interventions.
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