Treatments
All procedures are done under local anaesthetic in our own rooms, with no hospital admission. The treatment we recommend depends on what your duplex ultrasound scan shows.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veinsRadiofrequency ablation closes a faulty leg vein from the inside using heat delivered through a thin catheter.
- Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapyUltrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy closes veins by injecting a foam, made by mixing a sclerosant solution with a small volume of air, under ultrasound guidance.
- Sclerotherapy for spider veinsSclerotherapy treats spider veins and small reticular veins by injecting a sclerosing liquid that closes the vein so the body absorbs it.
- Medical adhesive (glue) closureMedical adhesive (glue) closure seals a faulty vein with medical glue delivered through a catheter, instead of heat.
- Compression stockingsGraduated compression stockings apply pressure that is greatest at the ankle, helping the calf muscle pump return blood.
- Comparing varicose vein treatmentsThere is no single best vein procedure.
Other treatments you may read about
These are recognised treatments, but they are not offered at our centres.
- Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)Closes the vein with laser heat; results are similar to radiofrequency ablation, which we use instead. Not offered at our centres.
- Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA)A catheter with a rotating tip combined with a liquid sclerosant. This treatment is not offered at our centres.
- Vein strippingTraditional open surgery. Dr Blignaut does not offer stripping; endovenous treatment has replaced it for most suitable patients.Why we use endovenous treatment