What is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)?

EVLA is a relatively new technique for the treatment of varicose veins and has replaced traditional surgical techniques in the treatment of varicose veins in most cases. The abnormal vein is heated by a laser which is introduced into the vein via a catheter using a minimally invasive keyhole approach. The laser tip is advanced to the highest point to be treated. The laser is then activated, which destroys the internal walls of the vein. The body then absorbs the dead tissue, getting rid of the varicose vein. the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, using a technique called tumescent anaesthesia. where a large volume of diluted anaesthetic solution is injected along the leg through small needle pricks. It has a 98% success rate and is considered the gold standard for most varicose vein treatment

Can I go home straight after the procedure?

EVLA is a day case procedure. Once treatment is completed, Mr Sridhar will apply a compression stocking to the treated leg. You will need to be monitored for a about half an hour prior to going home. Our staff will make you feel comfortable and ensure you are feeling ok.
If you have had avulsions (surgical removal of abnormal veins), you will require a compression bandage, which will be applied following the procedure. You will then be monitored and allowed to go home about half an hour after the procedure with comprehensive post-operative instructions.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure tends to about a hour for each leg. Your time in the clinic will be about 2 hours for one leg and about 2.5 hours for both legs

How long before I can resume normal activities?

You should resume normal activities as soon as possible. Most people manage to do so within 1-2 days. There are certain things to avoid, like vigorous activity and hot baths within the first week, but Mr Sridhar will go through all this with you. There may be some pain and discomfort for the first few days which is easily controlled by a short course of simple painkillers. You should avoid flying or long journeys for the first 4 weeks due to a slightly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

What is ClariVein®?

ClariVein®is another technique of endovenous varicose vein treatment known as mechanochemical venous ablation which utilises a revolutionary catheter tip which spins within the vein, damaging the walls of the vein. A chemical sclerosant is used in conjunction with this to destroy the vein. The advantage of this technique is that it does not generate heat in the way EVLA does, and does not require the use of tumescent anaesthesia. This means less bruising, no pressure in the leg from anaesthetic, and less post-operative discomfort and a quicker return to normal. ClariVein®is a newer technique than EVLA, and therefore has less long term data to back its effectiveness. However, current data so far continues to support ClariVein®as a treatment that is shaping up to be as effective as EVLA.

How long should I wear stockings for following varicose vein treatment?

The minimum time required is one week from the procedure. Most patients find that wearing stockings for up to 6 weeks post-procedure improves comfort.

Will I see an immediate improvement?

The time it takes to see results depends on how quickly your body takes to disintegrate and resorb the damaged veins. Some patients have seen the results they want within two weeks and for some it takes a few months. The average time is six weeks.

Who will perform my treatment?

Mr Sridhar (Sri for short) is our vascular and general surgeon here. He is a fully registered and accredited vascular
surgeon with more than 30 years of clinical experience. Having worked privately in London for many years, he brings his expertise in the management of venous disease and common surgical conditions to The Minster Clinic. He is vastly experienced in all modalities concerning the treatment of venous diseases, including endothermal techniques of venous ablation such as Laser and Radiofrequency, as well as mechanochemical ablation of varicose veins (Clarivein®), sclerotherapy and glue techniques.

Sri is also an accomplished general surgeon with an interest in plastic surgery and supports the work of Daniel and Sarah at the clinic. Sri and Daniel have been colleagues for a number of years in Harley Street in the past and the three of them complement each other well to achieve the best possible results for patients.

In addition to his surgical accomplishments, Sri is skilled in the use
of Ultrasound imaging and has been using Ultrasound to aid in diagnosis and surgical planning since 1992.

He has a special interest in complex wound management, especially leg ulcers. His interest in complex wound care is augmented by his skills in plastic surgery. He is a member of the College of Phlebology, and the International Union of Phlebology. He regularly presents his work in international meetings, continuing to innovate in the field of Vascular Surgery. He recently presented a novel technique of tumescent
assisted sclerotherapy to the international vascular community which has gained traction with leading phlebologists globally.

While he has exquisite surgical technique and respect for soft tissues, he lets off steam by playing the Tabla (an Indian drum) in his spare time!