Michael explains why he performs his venous treatments within a hospital setting.

There is an increasing trend for venous treatments to be performed in small stand-alone doctor-owned clinics providing treatments under local anaesthetic only.

Although I am a great fan of local anaesthetic techniques - and indeed our pioneering use of short-acting nerve blocks provides excellent intraoperative and postoperative anaesthesia and analgesia - local anaesthesia is not appropriate for all clinical situations.

With extensive bilateral varicose veins, infiltrating large amounts of local anaesthesia can itself be painful.

Other patients may have an anxious disposition or may have had a previous bad experience with local anaesthetic. In these cases, it is useful to be able to offer a general anaesthetic option and this can only be administered safely within a hospital setting, with all the safety and reassurance of full back-up facilities and specialist colleagues available.

" As always, patient safety is paramount. In 2017 my overall rating from BUPA patients was ‘excellent’ – the top rating."

Appointment bookings and practice hours>

Michael Gaunt explains why he has decided not to use glue to treat varicose veins.

At the end of 2017 I attended The Veith Symposium in New York – the largest meeting of vascular surgeons in the world.

I attended this in my role as Treasurer and UK Representative on the executive committee of the International Society for Vascular Surgery but it also enabled me to attend a large number of presentations regarding the latest techniques for treating venous disorders.

One of the most exciting new techniques has been the use of surgical glue (a specialist form of superglue) to seal off varicose veins. This has been investigated for a number of years now and initial results were very encouraging, but longer-term complications are now starting to be reported.

In my view, one of the main disadvantages of the technique is that unlike existing techniques such as laser, VNUS and ClariVein, the glue technique leaves a line of glue in the subcutaneous tissues for the rest of the patient’s life.

In New York there were some reports of this glue causing chronic inflammation and in one case having to be surgically removed.

As doctors have found treating other conditions, leaving foreign material within a patient’s body can result in problems years later, so I have decided that I will need to see longer-term follow-up results before I recommend this technique to my patients.

At present, the results I achieve from treating varicose veins with the endovenous laser and Clarivein techniques are truly excellent, with minimal pain and excellent functional and cosmetic results and the long-term follow-up results are very good and these techniques represent the gold standard methods at the moment.

Practice hours and contact details>

Patient satisfaction award for Michael from BUPA UK

It was very gratifying to receive notification from the UK’s largest private medical insurer BUPA that I had won an award for excellent patient satisfaction.

 All BUPA patients provide feedback and a rating of the treatment they have received from their consultant.

In 2017 my overall rating from BUPA patients was ‘excellent’ – the top rating. 

Totally independent feedback such as this is very useful for consultants as it provides an accurate measure of the quality of care they provide.

"I always strive to provide the highest standard of care to every patient and it is very encouraging to be informed that these efforts are appreciated by such a large number of patients."

Read more about my practice hours and treatments available at BUPA> 

Confused about specialist vein treatments?

Don’t be mystified: leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt offers an insight into modern methods

“Don’t shy away from treatment, help is on hand to find a procedure that is tailored to you and your lifestyle”

There’s a wide choice of treatments and procedures available to combat varicose veins and thread veins and it can be a little overwhelming. Finding the perfect treatment plan, that’s specifically tailored for you, is crucial to achieving the results you want. I recommend you consult a specialist, like myself, and talk to your GP to find the best solution for you.

Treatment Checklist

• See your GP or self-refer, depending on your preference - be referred to an experienced vascular surgeon
• Book a mini-consultation – if you just want to explore your options
• Book a full consultation and Duplex scan for an individual treatment plan, tailored for you so that you can find the best solution for you and your lifestyle
• Book your personalised treatment for a time convenient to you
• Minimal discomfort – enjoy the latest minimally invasive treatment, performed by your vascular surgeon

All modern treatments work by breaking down the varicose vein. The closed vein is no longer functional, and blood is redirected to the healthy veins. No two peoples’ varicose veins are the same and the right procedure for one person may not be successful for someone else. That’s why I perform a full assessment with an ultrasound scan to identify the problematic veins and recommend the best procedure and treatment plan.

“The latest minimally invasive treatments can be performed under local anaesthetic as a walk-in, walk-out procedure, with minimal post-operative discomfort and less impact on your lifestyle.”

ClariVein™ A tiny rotating wire is inserted inside the varicose vein whilst a sclerosant solution is injected to break down and seal the vein. This technique is the least invasive, requiring the smallest amount of local anaesthetic. The procedure takes around 30 minutes per leg.

Endovenous Laser A laser fibre is administered inside the vein. The laser heat penetrates the vein wall and as it is withdrawn up the leg the vein is destroyed. The procedure takes around 30 minutes per leg under local anaesthetic.
VNUS closure technique A special catheter is positioned inside the varicose vein. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall. As the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated causing the vein to close. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.

Foam Sclerotherapy A solution is injected into the veins and this causes them to collapse and fibrose. Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy can treat obvious varicose veins as well as incompetent long and short saphenous veins causing underlying problems. The procedure is performed in the Outpatient Clinic.

Book a mini consultation for just £95 and talk directly to Mr Michael Gaunt, Consultant Vascular Surgeon.

For more information visit: www.michaelgaunt.com
Spire Norwich Hospital 01603 255574
BMI Bury St Edmunds Hospital 01223 305858
Harley Street, London 01223 305858
Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital 01223 266990
Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital 01223 370922
Private Secretaries: 01223 305858

Embarrassed by red thread veins? Do you long for clear unblemished skin?

Leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt says modern treatment methods offer a quick and effective solution.

Most of us want to hold back the signs of ageing and reduce skin blemishes. Thread veins or spider veins are a familiar problem for men and women. The tiny red or purple broken veins are most commonly found on the face, around the cheeks and nose, but also appear on ankles and legs. They initially emerge as one or two tiny fine lines but develop a web like pattern, that enlarges across the skin; hence the term spider vein.

What causes thread veins?

The main problem is having a susceptible skin-type that copes less well with the wear and tear of everyday life. An outdoor life and sun- exposure can exacerbate the problem, as can various skin conditions. Spider veins sadly increase over time and early treatment is advisable.

“Modern treatments are minimally invasive and take minutes to perform as a walk in -walk out procedure.” 

“Patients should make informed choices when it comes to something as important as their health and wellbeing.”

How can you get rid of them?

A technique called VeinWave is predominantly used for facial thread veins and just a few sessions can be transformative. The minimally invasive procedure takes minutes to perform and you will see results almost immediately.

I have broken veins on my legs, they seem to be getting worse can you help?
Broken veins appearing on the legs are often the first sign of an underlying varicose vein problem which may not be visible. A thorough venous assessment is necessary before initiating any local treatment for leg thread veins as treatment will not be successful unless the underlying problem has been corrected first. A safe and effective treatment, injection microsclerotherapy is commonly used to decrease the visibility of unsightly thread veins most commonly found on the legs.

Top 5 Tips for seeking thread vein treatment

• Choose an expert - Look for experienced vascular surgeon that has a long-standing reputation for delivering the highest quality of service
• Tailored treatment– Ask for an individual venous assessment to ensure successful treatment
• Safe cosmetic procedure - Seek well known modern treatments that conform to Medical regulations
• Ask for advice – Take time to talk to your consultant to find the best solution for you
• Trustworthy clinical care– Find a clinic that offers the highest standards of hygiene and clinical care

For more information visit: www.michaelgaunt.com

Spire Norwich Hospital 01603 255574
BMI Bury St Edmunds Hospital 01223 305858
Harley Street, London 01223 305858
Spire Lea Cambridge 01223 266990
Nuffield Health Cambridge: 01223 370922
Private Secretaries: 01223 305858

Love your legs – step out this spring

One in four of the population suffer with varicose veins. Leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt discusses how they can affect your long-term health and wellbeing.

For me this month marks the start of becoming more active as the evenings become lighter. Maybe there’s not quite the promise of Spring in the air but I’m positively ready to get more active and improve my wellbeing.

We all want to look good and how we care for our vascular health can play a major role in helping us achieve this. You may not initially associate varicose veins with your general health and wellbeing but when you consider that one person in four is affected in some way by varicose veins, it’s clear that simple procedures can make a big difference to a patient’s lifestyle.

Don’t ignore symptoms

Many of us choose to ignore the onset of symptoms, preferring to ‘cover-up and forget’ during the winter months. Sometimes the symptoms develop very slowly over years and you may be unaware that the changes in your legs are due to varicose veins, especially as they may not be particularly prominent or visible in some people.

Symptoms of varicose veins can include:

• Aching, tired or heavy feeling in your legs
• Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Restless legs, especially at night
• Persistent leg itching
• Bleeding from varicose veins
• Ulceration
• Skin discolouration around the ankles

Simple self help

You may find mild symptoms are helped by raising your legs, by wearing support stockings or regular movement. A healthy lifestyle, eating well and finding ways to stay active is important and even more so if you have varicose veins, as weight gain can make symptoms seem worse.
Simple conservative measures such as these may offer some relief to symptoms but will not treat the underlying cause - the problematic varicose veins.

Getting active and improving circulation
You don’t have to run a marathon to improve your circulation, little changes like taking regular breaks if sitting at a desk all day, will help, and may temporarily reduce varicose vein symptoms. Step counters and fitness trackers that record the number of steps you make in a day are perfect for maintaining and highlighting your daily activity helping you boost your circulation.
Poor circulation occurs when the blood doesn’t flow freely through the body. Blood flow naturally improves with the onset of activity, it needn’t be high impact but it does need to be consistent and frequent.

Varicose veins impair circulation, that’s why they often appear raised or bobbly. Instead of all the blood from the legs returning to the heart, a proportion of blood refluxes back down the superficial veins impairing the venous circulation of the leg and giving rise to the symptoms of aching, swelling and night cramps.

Long term Complications

The best way to avoid complications from veins is to treat them early and not ignore them. In the developing stages, varicose veins and thread veins may be primarily a cosmetic problem. However, if ignored, the condition can deteriorate and a variety of complications can occur such as leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin around the ankles and leg ulcers.

Circulation is key to a healthy lifestyle. If the venous circulation is impaired for a long time the delivery of oxygen to the skin around the leg and ankle is decreased and toxins accumulate. This can develop increased venous pressure resulting in venous ulcers.

Occasionally, 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, particularly if those flights are long haul.

Varicose Vein Complications

• Leg and ankle swelling
• Discomfort and pain
• Pigmentation of the skin
• Venous ulcers
• Bleeding
• Phlebitis
• Deep vein thrombosis

What are the benefits of varicose vein treatment?

You’ll feel more positive about your legs, the unsightly raised, bobbly varicose veins will be removed, alleviating your symptoms. Your circulation will improve and it should also help prevent further complications that varicose veins may cause.

New Treatments

You’ll be glad to hear that modern treatments are minimally invasive and may be performed under local anaesthetic as a walk-in, walk-out procedure. Having treated over 5,000 patients using the minimally invasive Endovenous Laser and ClariVein techniques, I am one of the most experienced surgeons in the UK. Also available is VeinWave treatment for unsightly facial thread veins and spider veins.

Happy, healthy legs with Michael Gaunt
For more information on varicose veins and treatments visit: www.michaelgaunt.com

Spire Norwich Hospital 01603 255574
BMI Bury St Edmunds Hospital 01223 305858
Harley Street, London 01223 305858
Spire Lea Cambridge 01223 266990
Nuffield Health Cambridge: 01223 370922
Private Secretaries: 01223 305858

Ashamed to show your legs? There is a way out

One in four people suffers varicose veins which make them want to cover their legs at all times. Leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt says you can walk with confidence again.

Click here to view the full article.

Fed up of covering up? The benefits of varicose veins treatment explained.

If varicose veins are causing you pain or affecting your confidence, a removal treatment could be the best solution. Consultant vascular surgeon and leading venous expert, Michael Gaunt, explains the options.

Read more on the BMI Healthcare website...

New York, New York

World's biggest meeting of Vascular Specialists

"I am looking forward to attending the world's biggest meeting of Vascular Specialists next week: the Veith Meeting takes place in New York from November 15th - 19th 2016. I will be attending in my capacity as a member of the Executive Council of the International Society of Vascular Surgery.
It is an honour to have been invited to chair three of the scientific sessions and to be one of the judges for the best scientific research presented at the meeting and also to present the prizes at the end of the meeting.

I look forward to hearing about the latest research in the field of Vascular Surgery."

A Tale of Two Trinities

Having spent 12 years as a Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, I was very happy to be amongst the supporters of the Hospital at the 250th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Friday 9 September 2016.

My wife, Ann, accompanied me and along with current and former colleagues and guests from the wider Cambridge community, we enjoyed fine dining and wonderful entertainment in the splendid setting of Neville's Court at Trinity College.

Over £300,000 was raised, with Lord Jeffrey Archer as the auctioneer for the evening. and I believe it is still possible to pledge support via the ACT (Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust) office at the Hospital.

The second "Trinity" event took place at Trinity Hall on Sunday 11 September 2016, when members of Trinity Hall, Cambridge and Yale University gathered for dinner as part of their annual conference, marking the two centres' collaborative work with lectures and talks taking place over three days.

It also gave me the opportunity to meet up with my good friend from Yale, Professor Alan Dardik, and we were able to discuss the forthcoming Veith International Vascular Symposium, to be held in New York in November.

We are both on the Executive Council and I am sure there will be many exciting vascular surgery developments to discuss during the lectures and meetings.

Click here to visit the article on the Tatler website.

Mr Michael Gaunt, consultant vascular surgeon, talks about the latest treatments for varicose veins and cosmetic ‘spider’ veins

What function do our veins have?

Veins are the vascular structures which carry blood back towards the heart whilst arteries carry blood away from the heart.

What are varicose veins?

Unattractively deep blue or dark purple, raised, lumpy or twisted in appearance, varicose veins are a common problem affecting at least 20% of the adult population in the UK.
Varicose veins occur when small valves inside the veins stop functioning correctly. Rather than blood flowing effortlessly back towards the heart, the blood stagnates within the veins, causing aching, tiredness and discomfort. People complain of ‘heavy, tired legs and night leg cramps’ which may have an adverse impact on their daily lives.

Varicose vein symptoms

• Aching, tired or heavy feeling in your legs
• Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Restless legs, especially at night
• Persistent leg itching
• Bleeding from varicose veins
• Ulceration
• Skin discolouration around the ankles

How do they affect us?

At first, problematic veins may not be visible but symptoms can occur. Sometimes patches of blue thread veins may be the earliest signs of an underlying problem. Eventually, the abnormal veins may become swollen, enlarged and varicose. Varicose veins can be unsightly, painful and embarrassing.

In the developing stages, varicose veins and thread veins may be primarily a cosmetic problem. However, if ignored, the condition can deteriorate and a variety of complications can occur such as leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin around the ankles and leg ulcers.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Occasionally, 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, particularly if those flights are long haul

Do we need invasive surgery to get rid of varicose veins?

You’ll be glad to hear that modern treatments are minimally invasive and may be performed under local anaesthetic as a walk-in, walk-out procedure. Having treated over 4,000 patients using the minimally invasive Endovenous Laser and ClariVein techniques, I am one of the most experienced surgeons in the UK. Both techniques are associated with considerably less pain, bruising and scarring than traditional surgery such as stripping techniques.

Do you actually perform the treatment?

When you book an appointment with me you receive professional, personal treatment from your first consultation to your last. Gaining one to one time with a highly experienced surgeon provides a professional, tailored treatment plan executed with care and skill to meet a patient’s personal needs.

“You can rest assured I aim to combine the highest surgical and academic standards within a kind and relaxed environment, to achieve the best clinical and cosmetic results possible.”

I’m proud to say I am a nationally recognised vascular surgeon with over 28 years’ clinical experience, including 12 years as a consultant surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge and in private practice in Cambridge, London, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich.

Do you treat many sports patients?

Yes, I do see a lot of sports patients, although initially they may not realise that varicose veins can affect their sporting performance. Veins are responsible for removing the waste products of muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid, out of the legs. When veins are not working properly, waste products are not cleared efficiently, impairing muscle function. Treating varicose veins immediately improves the venous function of the leg, advancing sporting performance and reducing leg fatigue. As a runner myself I know how important it is to keep active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and supporting good blood flow.

Read case studies >

What causes the ‘spider’ veins we get on our faces?

The main problem is having a susceptible skin-type that copes less well with the wear and tear of everyday life. An outdoor life can exacerbate the problem, as can various skin conditions. Spider veins sadly increase over time and early treatment is advisable. Patients with prominent veins on the nose may be unfairly labelled as “drinkers” and some patients report that this misconception can adversely affect various areas of their life, including work and promotion.

How can you get rid of facial ‘spider veins’

A technique called VeinWave is predominantly used for facial veins and just a few sessions can be transformative. The minimally invasive procedure takes minutes to perform and you will see results almost immediately. Although regarded as a cosmetic problem, patients are always reassured to be treated by an experienced surgeon.

Is there any way to prevent varicose veins?

Unfortunately you can’t do anything to prevent them if you are susceptible. Symptoms can be avoided by not standing still for long periods and by wearing support stockings. The best way to avoid complications from veins is to treat them early and not ignore them.

Read case studies >

Book a consultation with Mr Michael Gaunt or make further enquiries: 01223 305858.

Feeling Good, Looking Good. Happy, healthy legs with Michael Gaunt

Don't neglect your legs! Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt is no stranger to treating Varicose and Thread Veins that impact on active lifestyles and sporting performance.

There’s no doubt feeling good and looking good certainly go hand in hand. Whether you are keen to maintain intensive aerobic sports or enjoy low impact exercise, such as swimming and yoga, Michael Gaunt can help improve your vascular health and well-being. Exercise is of primary importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has beneficial effects on varicose veins supporting good blood flow.

Michael Gaunt specialises in the treatment of varicose, thread and facial spider veins and is one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK. He performs personal and minimally invasive treatment of veins using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.

“Many of my sporting patients complain of heavy and tired legs. They’ve often noticed a gradual decline in their performance, taking longer to recover after training”

Varicose veins are not commonly thought of as a condition that can affect sporting performance but they can. Veins are responsible for removing the waste products of muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid, out of the legs. Varicose veins are veins that are not working properly and also impair the function of the normal veins in the legs.

Treating varicose veins immediately improves the venous function of the leg, advancing the clearance of toxic waste products and naturally helps to improve activity.

“I have successfully performed over 4000 minimally invasive techniques with amazing results. People are back on their feet immediately”

Stay Active. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is something we all strive to do yet many of us neglect our varicose veins. The condition can be painful and if untreated can lead to leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin of the lower leg and ulcers. Unsightly varicose veins may affect your confidence and many patients complain of having to cover up during the summer months.

The truth is, even athletes and active people can have varicose and spider veins. There are many variations of varicose veins and it’s always worth getting a personal consultation to access what your treatment options are. Proper assessment is necessary prior to treatment to exclude any underlying conditions.

“Recent advances mean that the underlying causes of varicose and spider veins may be easily identified and the correct personalised treatment plan offered”

“I was surprised at how easy it was to get my varicose veins treated. I made a local appointment and had a personal consultation followed by successful treatment with Michael Gaunt”

Book a mini consultation for just £95.

You will receive Michael Gaunt’s expert opinion and a tailored treatment plan; including information on treatment options available.

Call now to book your no-obligation mini consultation, for just £95, with Michael Gaunt at Harley Street London, BMI Bury St. Edmunds, Spire Norwich, Nuffield Health Cambridge or Spire Lea Cambridge. 01223 305858.

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital Spring GP Conference 2016

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital is holding its Spring GP Conference on Saturday 23 April 2016 at the Imperial War Museum (IWM), Duxford.

The all-day event offers GPs a series of in depth lectures and workshops to support and maintain detailed knowledge and skills through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

As Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), that oversees the clinical service and standards at the hospital, Michael Gaunt will be opening the conference and welcoming delegates.

“I‘m looking forward to opening this year’s Spire Cambridge Lea GP Conference at Duxford. It’s a full day of workshops and lectures that offer detailed research from fellow leading experts including myself” Michael Gaunt

Michael Gaunt is dedicated to supporting the event, presenting a lecture on ‘Common medico-legal pitfalls in vascular surgery’ featuring regulatory, compliance, and legal issues regarding independent vascular surgery in the UK.

A notable consultant surgeon, Michael Gaunt is keen to share advances in the development of treatment methods and diagnostic strategies that may help GPs improve identifying early stages of vascular conditions.

“CPD plays a key role in maintaining excellent clinical care and this event offers 150 GPs from around the country the chance to meet with prominent Cambridge surgeons and consultants and to exchange knowledge and experiences from the hospital and community sectors” Michael Gaunt

A rare opportunity for many GPs, the event allows delegates to network and discuss cases. Set within the historic IWM Duxford, Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital’s event combines presentations on pioneering research, treatments, methods and strategies to improve patient care and experiences.

“We passionately believe patients and their GPs should have high quality information to make informed choices when it comes to something as important as their health” - Spire Lea Cambridge Hospital

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital holds a number of events throughout the year for patients, GPs and the public.

Read more> http://www.spirehealthcare.com/cambridge/events/

Team Gaunt Success at Chariots of Fire Race for Charity

The Chariots of Fire race is an annual event in Cambridge to raise money for good causes. The race was inspired by the film of the same name, which told the story of Olympic gold medallists Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddle. The race is a relay and consists of a circuit of 1.75 miles through the grounds of several Cambridge Colleges including Trinity and King’s. Each runner completes a circuit and each team consists of six runners.

This year over 150 teams took part and it was a pleasure to co-sponsor three teams with the owner of designer clothes shop Giulio. Our veterans team won the veterans’ event and our elite men’s team, skippered by ex-patient of mine, Ian Williamson, came second overall – beaten only by a team containing Olympic athletes!! So congratulations to all who took part. The photograph shows me with the elite men’s team showing off the Michael Gaunt logo on the back of their vests – which obviously a lot of the other runners got a good view of as they sped past.

In addition to cheering home the Giulio-Gaunt team it was a great occasion to meet up with friends, colleagues and patients past and present. It was nice to meet up with Dr Pixie McKenna, from the popular TV health programme ‘Embarrassing Bodies’, who was there to present the prizes. Also, it was a pleasure to be asked to be the unofficial photographer to the Great Dames team – a team of real-life Dames from the House of Lords, skippered by Cambridge’s very own Dame Mary Archer. It really was a great day, great fun and a lot of money raised for good causes.

The Great Dames team included:

• Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College.
• Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones DCMG, former chair of the British Joint Intelligence Committee.
• Dame Gill Morgan, chair of NHS Providers, former Permanent Secretary to the NHS in Wales, former CEO of the NHS Confederation.
• Dame Fiona Woolf, former Lord Mayor of London, trustee of the Science Museum Group.
• Dame Barbara Stocking, President of Murray Edwards College, former CEO of Oxfam.
• Dame Mary Archer, chair of the Science Museum Group, former chair of Cambridge University Hospitals.

Varicose vein treatment - before and after photos

“Hello, Mr Gaunt operated on my leg about 7 weeks ago and during my follow up appointment he asked if I could send him my before and after photos. I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with the result and would whole heartedly recommend it to anyone living with ugly varicose veins, Best regards, Matt”

It is a common observation that men often delay in seeking treatment for their varicose veins until they are very large. These photos show a very impressive set of man-sized veins, and although I would always recommend treating veins at an earlier stage if possible, these photos show that by using modern techniques it is still possible to achieve an excellent result. Also they illustrate how the immediate post-op bruising, which can be impressive with very large veins, resolves after a few weeks to reveal an excellent functional and cosmetic result.

Official Expert for the New England Journal of Medicine

It is an honour and a pleasure to be invited to be an ‘official expert’ for the New England Journal of Medicine – the leading academic medical journal in the world. It is very gratifying to be recognised in this way and to participate in online discussions about the latest research with colleagues around the world. Discussion and debate about academic research is a vital to evaluate medical advances to ensure patients benefit from the latest techniques and it is a great privilege to participate in the process at the highest level.

Sharing Clarivein technique insights in Athens

I have recently returned from Athens where I participated in the annual conference of the International Society for Vascular Surgery. I updated the conference on my latest results of the Clarivein technique for the treatment of varicose veins. I have one of the largest series of patients treated with this technique in the world so delegates were keen to hear my insights in using this excellent local anaesthetic walk-in walk-out method.

Once again it was extremely beneficial to learn about the latest advances in vascular surgery and exchange views and opinions from colleagues around the world. The ISVS attracts surgeons and specialists from all around the globe and I had some very interesting discussions with surgeons from China, USA, Brazil, Australia, France, Italy, Albania, Germany and of course Greece.

The photograph shows me at the Faculty table at the annual dinner with my good friend Professor Alan Dardik from Yale University, USA and President of the ISVS with Alan’s family including his father Herbert Dardik one of the leading pioneers of vascular surgery.

Keynote speech at Brazilian Venous Scientific Conference

In my role as a member of the executive council of the International Society for Vascular Surgery it was a pleasure to be invited to be a keynote speaker at a major Brazilian Venous Scientific Conference in Belo Horizonte. I gave three lectures on the treatment of varicose veins including endovenous laser techniques, Clarivein and injection sclerotherapy. The lectures were well received and stimulated some very interesting discussions.

It is always fascinating to attend international conferences and exchange views with colleagues from other countries and learn new techniques and approaches to common problems as well as forging new friendships and international links. As the picture shows I benefitted from excellent hospitality from my Brazilian hosts and I am very grateful to them for their kindness and generosity.

Belo Horizonte, June 2015

Let’s talk about varicose veins

I read with interest the news that the public in one part of the country have been consulted about the treatment of varicose veins.

The West Essex Clinical Commission Group invited the public, through an online questionnaire, to give their opinions and look overall at increased investment opportunities. The results of the questionnaire have not yet been made public, but the aspirations of the CCG should be applauded. Getting people talking about treatment and therefore raising awareness of varicose veins can only be a good thing.

Far too many people hide away from their varicose veins, believing it is a problem that can either be looked at another day or ignored completely. This is dangerous course of action which can ultimately lead to bigger issues down the line. I welcome anything that is done to get people talking about varicose veins. It is one of the reasons why I started my no-obligation, mini-consultations detailed on the home page of my website.

Set your legs free for 2015

Why not make 2015 the year when you finally get rid of those troublesome varicose veins and thread veins which stop you enjoying life the way you deserve? In addition to relieving the aching and tiredness look forward to setting your legs free for the summer wearing what you want to and enjoying the park, the beach, the pool or just clothes shopping without worrying about people noticing your veins.

If one of your resolutions for 2015 is to get those veins sorted then the process could not be simpler. Call my office on 01223 305858 to arrange an appointment at a clinic convenient to you. Undergo a thorough assessment of your condition which provides a range of treatment options from which you can choose the most appropriate. Set a fixed date for your treatment and then attend a modern, private, fully equipped hospital and undergo a minimally invasive treatment performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on your preference. New vein treatments are simpler, effective and less painful with a quicker return to normal activity and usually an excellent cosmetic result.

So why put off the decision any longer, set your legs free in 2015 and enjoy life a bit more without the worry of those veins.