Varicose Veins: from cosmetic blemish to limb threatening ulceration

On the 22^nd September the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital organised a GP educational meeting in the wonderful surroundings of the Duxford Air Museum. As chairman of the Consultant’s Committee it was my pleasure to welcome over 150 General Practitioners to hear lectures from Cambridge experts on a wide range of medical conditions. I chaired the morning session which included presentations on cardiology, orthopaedics and gastroenterology. The title of my own lecture was ‘Varicose Veins: from cosmetic blemish to limb threatening ulceration’. This provided a valuable opportunity to explain why varicose veins must not underestimated and dispel some of the common myths and misunderstanding surrounding the condition. I described the latest minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of varicose veins and thread-veins which stimulated a lot of interesting questions. The GPs were particularly interested in the way these techniques have totally changed the treatment of varicose veins to a local anaesthetic walk-in, walk-out technique with almost immediate return to normal activities.

Annual scientific meeting between Cambridge and Yale Universities

On the 9th to the 11th September I took part in the annual scientific meeting between Cambridge and Yale Universities at Trinity Hall College, Cambridge. As usual, the meeting provides a fascinating and highly enjoyable opportunity to hear the latest research findings from both centres. It also provides an opportunity to reinforce academic and social links with colleagues from across the Atlantic. One such link is with my good friend Alan Dardik, Associate Professor of Surgery at Yale. Earlier this year Alan and I collaborated to write a textbook for higher surgical trainee surgeons entitled ‘Outpatient Surgery’ which has been very well received. As part of the meeting we presented a signed copy of the book to the joint organisers Dr John Bradley (Cambridge) and Professor Jordan Porber (Yale) as a vote of thanks for all their hard work.

There’s more to veins than vanity

Varicose veins can effect up to 20% of the UK’s adult population. They are unsightly and painful but, worse still, can also lead to serious health problems. Mr Michael Gaunt a Consultant Vascular Surgeon who specialises in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and threadveins, looks the options available to sufferers.

“Varicose veins occur when small valves inside the veins stop working properly so that rather than blood flowing smoothly back towards the heart, the blood stagnates within the veins causing aching, tiredness and discomfort,” explains Mr Gaunt.

“The veins are usually blue or dark purple and may also be lumpy or twisted in appearance and while any vein in the body can be affected, they most commonly develop in the legs and feet . This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body.

“Initially, problem veins may not be visible but the symptoms still occur. Patches of blue threadveins may sometimes be the first signs of an underlying problem and eventually, the abnormal veins become swollen, enlarged and varicose.

“In the early stages varicose veins and threadveins may be mainly a cosmetic problem, however, if ignored, the condition can deteriorate and various complications can occur such as leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin around the ankles and ulcers.
“Sometimes veins can burst causing bleeding, or the blood within the veins can clot leading to the painful condition of phlebitis or even deep vein thrombosis. People who use air travel for work or holidays may be at increased risk particular if those flights are long haul.

“Fortunately, modern minimally-invasive treatments can now often be performed under local anaesthetic as a walk-in walk-out procedure, with minimal post-operative pain and almost immediate return to normal activity.

“I have treated over 4,000 patients with the Endovenous laser and Clarivein techniques – both are associated with considerably less pain, bruising and scarring than traditional stripping techniques and both offer very good longterm results.”

FREE 15-minute mini consultations
Mr. Gaunt offers FREE 15-minute mini consultations for patients to visit him and be initially assessed. He will then offer them a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment and steps forward. These no-obligation consultations are offered at the BMI Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, Spire Norwich Hospital and Cambridge Nuffield Hospital. For more information or to make a booking, contact his private secretary on 01223 305858 or visit www.michaelgaunt.com.

Vascular Society of GB & Ireland

I gave evidence on minimally invasive treatments of varicose veins and in particularly the 'Clarivein' technique to the government body NICE on behalf of the Vascular Society of GB & Ireland. As a UK surgeon who has performed several hundred of these techniques the committee where keen to hear of my experience and assessment of Clarivein (mechanochemical ablation) compared to other techniques such as radiofrequency and endovenous laser.

Research Advisory Committee meeting at Addenbrookes

I attended the Research Advisory Committee meeting at Addenbrookes (Cambridge University Hospitals NHSFT). This body is responsible for funding and monitoring research carried out at the hospital.

Leicester University, external examiner

It was really good to return to my own 'alma mater' at Leicester University to act an external examiner. I was also able to meet up with my old supervisor Professor Ross Naylor who is currently president of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital's 25th Anniversary Ball

As the Medical Advisory Committee Chairman, I was required to give one of the after dinner speeches at the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital's 25th Anniversary Ball. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the event was a very good way for the hospital to thank all the staff who work so hard during the year. I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to the staff in the hospital who look after my patients so well. It is very reassuring to know that my patients are treated in such a safe and professional environment.

Photo credit: Liquid Photo

National Institute of Health Research at the Royal College of Surgeons of England

I attended a meeting of the surgical group of the National Institute of Health Research at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This body co-ordinates and monitors important government funded surgical research projects throughout the country. I represent the West Anglian region and I am responsible for the conduct and progress of NIHR funded projects in that region.

Bateman Feast at Trinity Hall College

I attended the annual Bateman Feast at Trinity Hall College to commemorate the founding of the college by Bishop Bateman of Norwich in 1350. One of the privileges of working in Cambridge and being a member of the university is the opportunity to attend such splendid events and meet leading figures from the worlds of medicine, science, economics, politics and the arts. Conversations range from the latest scientific advances in one of Cambridge's Nobel Prize winning laboratories to the euro crisis with one of the world's leading economists. A truly inspiring event and my thanks to the Master and Fellows of the college for their kind invitation.

AGM Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital Medical Society

I chaired the AGM of the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital Medical Society. My presentation focussed on the latest developments in the General Medical Council's enhanced revalidation process for doctors which is being rolled out this year. As chairman of the hospital's Medical Advisory Committee I have been trained to perform these annual appraisals which are an integral part of revalidation which will grant each doctor in the UK a licence to practice. The role of the appraiser is essential to ensure that all consultants are up-to-date with the latest knowledge and techniques and practising medicine according to accepted standards for the protection of patients.

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital – Lecture on the latest developments in the treatment of varicose veins and thread veins

I was delighted to be invited to lecture on the latest developments in the treatment of varicose veins and thread veins to the nurses and clinical staff of the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital. Topics included my experience of treating many thousands of patients with established techniques such as the endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation treatment of varicose veins and the excellent results we have achieved. A description of our successful introduction of the latest Clarivein treatment of varicose veins as a walk-in, walk-out local anaesthetic technique and the role of injection microsclerotherapy and VeinWave for the treatment of thread veins and red veins. My sincere thanks go to the nurses and clinical staff for their excellent feedback.

My new book launches in New York

By the time you read this, I will be in New York promoting my new textbook, Outpatient Surgery.

The book was originally published in the UK, entitled General Surgery Outpatient Decisions, and I am delighted with the second edition which has been especially tailored to the American market.

I have worked on the book with Professor Alan Dardik, an associate professor at Yale, and whose father, Herbert, was one of the founders of modern vascular surgery – so much so that many of the instruments we use bare the Dardik name.

Michael Gaunt with Professor Alan Dardik launching their new book - Outpatient Surgery in New York

Alan and I struck up a friendship due to the close ties between Yale and Cambridge universities. I am part of a research group of Cambridge academics which annually attend the renowned American university or indeed host them in East Anglia.

When I showed Alan my textbook, he was very enthusiastic and thought there was scope for an American edition and I am delighted to have got various experts on board to write chapters for the book.

There has to be some differences between the UK and US editions as there are differences in the American healthcare system compared with the NHS – although when it comes to actual techniques there are a lot of similarities.

What is unique in the UK is the healthcare system is primary care, with patients going to GPs, while in America and most of the rest of the world, patients go direct to specialists.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to have my family accompanying me in New York which means I get to mix a little pleasure with business in one of the finest cities in the world.

The book will be out on April 30 and I will report back from my American adventures as soon as I get back.

First free consultations at Norwich Vein Clinic are a big success

On Saturday, I held my first free consultation clinic in the Spire Norwich Hospital and I am pleased to report it was a great success.

We had always felt there was a need in the city, that is why I joined forces with Jim Clarke, an established vascular surgeon to open the Norwich Vein Clinic.

Our first step was to mirror the successful free 15-minute clinics I had held in both Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. This gives people who are concerned about their veins the opportunity to come and speak to me free of charge before we decide if there is a problem and what the best course of action is.

The clinics are a great way to educate people about what treatments are out there. I sit down with them to discuss their ailments and decide how best to treat them.

There is no pressure, but if they want to be treated then they would come back for a full consultation before we start the work.

The fact that we had 20 potential new patients visit the consultation clinic shows there is a need and that people want to seek help about all manner of varicose problems.

I discussed with patients all the new techniques that can fight and cure varicose vein problems, including Clarivein and Microsclerotherapy.

We were surprised but delighted by the uptake and I will now be holding more clinics in Norwich, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds over the coming months.

Keep checking this website and blog for all the latest dates or contact my secretary Debbie on 01223 305858.