This weekend, Prof Mark Whiteley presented his 15 years results from endovenous treatment for varicose veins. He gave the talk in Paris at the CACVS conference. Mark and his team performed the first endovenous (or "keyhole") operation for varicose veins in the UK on 12th march 1999. They used radiofrequency ablation (RFA - then called "VNUS Closure"). 2 years later endovenous laser came into the UK, a virtually identical operation but using laser. By this time Mark and his team had performed hundreds of endovenous operations, and had developed the TRLOP technique.

Prof Mark Whiteley lecturing in Paris at CACVS presenting his 15 years results for varicose veins endovenous treatment Jan 2017

Although it was clear that endovenous surgery had major advantages over stripping, it is always important to collect firm data. Therefore Mark and his researchers at The Whiteley Clinic have been continually publishing results and research into varicose veins and varicose veins treatments.

15 years results of varicose veins treatment using endovenous surgery

Endovenous radiofrequency and endovenous laser are both very similar in the way they treat varicose veins. The original VNUS Closure is not used in the same form anymore as newer devices have taken over. However, the excellent results at 15 years after treatment presented by Mark and his team, show that if the correct technique is used, endovenous treatments should give good results in the long term. The original VNUS Closure is not used in the same form anymore. Newer devices have now taken over. However, these excellent results at 15 years after treatment, show that if the correct technique is used, endovenous treatments should give good results in the long term.

The Whiteley Protocol

Unfortunately research shows that not everyone gets these same good results. Although the equipment is available to everyone, the understanding of how to get the best results depends on research and developing optimal treatment protocols. Mark Whiteley developed The Whiteley Protocol over 18 years to make sure that each patient gets the very best chance of excellent long term results. Not only does the protocol make sure that each device is used optimally, it also personalises each treatment to each individual patient.