Varicose veins are often unsightly, uncomfortable, and can lead to many issues if left untreated. Fortunately, varicose vein treatments have come a long way since invasive surgery. Now, most treatment options involve quick visits using endovenous laser ablation or ultrasound-guided injections.

‘‘Our patients say the treatment experience is like a quick visit to their local doctor,” said Dr Zil Yassine, Director of The Vein Institute.

What are the treatment options?

There are several of these new-age treatments, some with additional sub-versions. But, Dr Yassine says the underlying principle remains the same: “seal the problem vein so the body can absorb it and reroute blood flow.”

The Vein Institute offers five treatments, including:

1. Endovenous laser ablation: According to Dr Yassine, this is a gold-standard treatment. It’s as effective as surgical removal and generally safer. During this procedure, a vein specialist inserts a catheter with a laser tip into the problem vein to seal it through heat energy.
2. Radiofrequency ablation: Also considered a gold-standard treatment, it follows the same principle as laser ablation. But instead of heat energy, the vein is sealed through a few radiofrequency bursts.
3. Medical superglue: The doctor injects a medical-grade glue into the problem vein through a syringe or a catheter (depending on the vein’s size). Unfortunately, long-term studies at this stage are not as convincing as those for laser ablation.
4. Sclerotherapy: Here, the doctor injects a sclerosant into the varicose vein. The sclerosant agitates the vein’s lining, encouraging scar tissue to form and block blood flow. Don’t worry. The scarring heals. Depending on the vein’s size, your doctor may use foam sclerotherapy, which combines the sclerosant with oxygen to create a wider-reaching foam.
5. ClariVein: Here, the doctor uses a ClariVein catheter to inject sclerosant deeper into your problem vein.

What happens before the treatment?

According to Dr Yassine, the first step is always a consultation.

“We need to determine the full scope of the vein in addition to whether treatment is necessary,” he said.

During the consultation, your doctor will go over your medical history, test for allergens, and take an ultrasound scan of your varicose veins.

According to Dr Yassine, the scan reveals how deep and far the vein runs and whether it has branches. Based on all these factors, you and your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you.

“Laser ablation is ideal for large veins, sclerotherapy for smaller ones,” said Dr Yassine.

“We also don’t recommend medical superglue for younger patients and especially not those who

could have an allergic reaction to it.”

What do I do after?

Although all treatments at The Vein Institute are non-surgical, Dr Yassine recommends following

these post-op steps to ensure a comfortable recovery and the best results:

● Wear compression stockings.

● Keep moving. You should maintain a healthy blood flow to avoid blood clots that might

hinder your recovery. Light exercise like a 30-minute walk is the best remedy.

● Avoid strenuous activities. Too much strain might reopen your varicose vein, so keep

your exercise light for at least a week after treatment.

● Keep the site clean and dry. The incision will be small, but you should still take care to

avoid any chance of infection.

● Elevate your legs. Gravity takes its toll, so help your legs.

If you’re ready to seek treatment for your varicose veins, The Vein Institute has a clinic here in Canberra with expert medical staff and top-of-the-line facilities. So, call 1300 535 017 to book your consultation today.

Barton Specialist Clinic | Level 2, 9/3 Sydney Avenue, Barton

T: 1300 535 017 | E: [email protected] | W: theveininstitute.com.au

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