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Endolaser Vein System (ELVeS) for the treatment of varicose veins at The London Clinic
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins affect up to 30% of the women and 20% of the men in the UK, that is, approximately 3 million people. Genetic predisposition, the female hormonal cycle and hydrostatic pressure in late pregnancy are the predominant, recognised, causative factors.
Varicose veins are caused by valve incompetence of the saphenous vein draining system of the skin of the legs. As a result there is pooling of blood in the long veins and swelling of the distal tributary veins which become visible as bulging varicosities and cause symptoms of heaviness, pain, itching and generalised oedema. The impaired venous return is detrimental to the skin of the calves and ankles resulting in hair loss, discolouration, eczema and ultimately, ulceration.
Early treatment, before these secondary consequences have become established, achieves the best results.
 Assessment
Choosing the optimum treatment regimen depends on accurate assessment of the pattern of venous incompetence. At consultation, a full history and examination is undertaken. Venous duplex ultrasound is essential to elucidate the pathways of venous incompetence and discover complicating factors such as dual veins, aberrant connections, pudendal veins and the results of previous surgery.
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