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.

2015 - Looking forward to the year ahead

As we head into 2015 I would like to wish all my patients past, present and future all the very best for the year ahead. 2015 promises to be another busy and exciting year for me. Recently I was elected to the council of the International Society of Vascular Surgery and I look forward to fulfilling my duties associated with this post. I have also been invited to lecture at international research meetings in Europe and South America. As always it will be a pleasure to meet with colleagues from around the world and share advances in treatments and new techniques.

In addition I have been invited to contribute to an international textbook of vascular surgery in collaboration with my good friend and colleague Professor Alan Dardik from Yale. Alan and I have already co-authored a book called ‘Outpatient Surgery’ which has proved very popular and is the first of my books to be translated into Chinese.

So here’s to 2015 and if you have decided that this is the year to finally get those troublesome veins sorted out, it would be a pleasure to see you in one of my clinics.

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.

23rd Chariots of Fire Race, Cambridge

On Sunday September 21st I joined up with Giulio Cinque of Giulio’s Fashions in Cambridge to sponsor a team of 6 runners in the 23rd annual Chariots of Fire Race. Inspired by the 1981 film, the race passes through several of Cambridge’s historic colleges. This year the event supported the Arthur Rank Hospice and 361 teams took part. It was really exciting to be part of such an iconic race, raising funds for such a wonderful charity. It was a very closely fought race, with our team ahead for the first three laps, but in the end the team came second, only 5 seconds behind the winners, a team from Glassworks Gym. We are already looking forward to next year’s race!

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.