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 The laser heat penetrates the vein wall and as it is withdrawn up the leg the vein is destroyed.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 As the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated causing the vein to close.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

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.

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.

Videos will help challenge and change misconceptions about Varicose Veins

I am always looking at ways to further enhance the information and support I offer to patients and prospective patients.

As some of you may have noticed, we have improved our website further by adding some videos. You will find them on the ‘Home Page’ and also the ‘Conditions Treated’ page.

This format is a perfect way for me to explain ‘in person’ about my practice and what people can expect when they come to me for a consultation. I explain how to contact my team to arrange a consultation, while the video on the ‘Conditions Treated’ page explains varicose veins and thread veins and answers some common questions that people ask.
I hope these videos help to dispel some of the common myths surrounding varicose veins and thread veins and hopefully people will realise that effective treatment is a lot simpler than they think.

I look forward to welcoming you at my clinics.

The difference is clear after just 4 sessions of thread vein treatment

Thread veins and spider veins are often dismissed as a minor cosmetic condition by doctors but can be a significant blight for many people which prevents their full enjoyment of life. I’ve treated many who haven’t been swimming for years or who don’t feel able to wear shorts or a shorter skirt because they feel too self-conscious about exposing their legs.

As these photos show simple effective outpatient treatment is available. Usually, three or four 30 minute sessions of injection microsclerotherapy, with a session performed every few weeks can restore a normal appearance and allow you to ‘get your legs out’ and enjoy the summer for once!!!

Above: Significant reticular and threadveins affecting the thigh before and after 4 sessions of injection sclerotherapy.

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.

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.

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.

Announcing the launch of the Norwich Vein Clinic at the Spire Norwich Hospital

Mr Gaunt is pleased to announce an exciting new development at the Spire Norwich Hospital. People with venous problems from Norfolk and the Norwich area can now see Mr Gaunt for consultations and have their treatments at the Spire Norwich Hospital. This is a joint venture with vascular surgeon Mr Jim Clarke and will be known as the Norwich Vein Clinic.

Mr Gaunt says “I am very excited about this new development at the Spire Norwich Hospital. In the past patients from Norwich had to travel to see me at one of my other hospitals but this new arrangement will be much more convenient. Jim Clarke and I have been friends and colleagues for many years and we have come together with the aim of providing patients in the Norwich area with the very latest minimally invasive and local anaesthetic techniques for the treatment of varicose and thread veins”.

For appointments patients can either contact Mr Gaunt’s secretary Debbie on 01223 305858 or via the Spire Norwich Hospital (01603 255614) and ask for appointments and the Norwich Vein Clinic.