Prof Mark Whiteley lecturing on the 1st Endovenous Microwave Course in Europe for varicose veins treatment

The first endovenous microwave ablation course for the treatment of varicose veins was held on the 12-13 April 2019. Prof Mark Whiteley, who performed the first endovenous microwave treatment for varicose veins in Europe, ran the course. Six consultant venous specialists attended the course. They have all now been certified to be able to perform endovenous microwave ablation.

Endovenous microwave ablation (EMWA)

Endovenous microwave ablation is a new minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. It is performed under local anaesthetic. Patients are able to walk in and walk out, reducing many of the risks of traditional varicose vein surgery.

 1st Endovenous Microwave Course for varicose veins treatment in Europe - 12-13 April 2019 - Whiteley Clinic and College of Phlebology

The principles of endovenous microwave ablation are well proven. It has all of the advantages of both radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). However, it does not have the drawbacks of either. Having been developed in China, Prof Mark Whiteley performed the first case of endovenous microwave ablation in the world outside of China. He and his team now run the endovenous microwave ablation course to teach other doctors who wish to learn this innovative technique.

Endovenous microwave ablation course

The endovenous microwave ablation course runs over a Friday night and a Saturday morning. Only doctors who are already experienced in endovenous surgery are allowed onto this course. Doctors who do not have a large experience of endovenous surgery will have to attend basic endovenous training courses before they are able to take this course. All courses are run and are certified through the College of Phlebology.

Prof Mark Whiteley showing how to close incompetent perforating veins with Endovenous Microwave Ablation using the TRLOP technique

Course structure:

Friday evening:

• varicose veins treatments and the principles of treating venous reflux


• scientific basis of endovenous ablation thermal and nonthermal


• a scientific basis of microwave in tissue ablation


• the principles of endovenous microwave ablation


• experimental and clinical proof


• introduction to the catheter and microwave generator

Course dinner.

Saturday morning:

• live cases - patients with varicose veins or venous leg ulcers treated with endovenous microwave ablation


• delegates can observe the operation in our state of the art live video link to theatre with two-way conversation with the surgeon question-and-answer session and presentation of certificates

Doctors who successfully complete the course are then added to the College of Phlebology register of trained doctors. This registry can be found through the endovenous microwave ablation page: https://www.collegeofphlebology.com/how-to-treat-it-2/introduction-to-endovenous-microwave-ablation/ 

Dr Omar Abu-Bakr of The Whiteley Clinic -2nd surgeon in Europe to perform Endovenous Microwave Ablation for varicose veins – 13 April 2019

1st Endovenous Microwave Course for varicose veins treatment in Europe - 12-13 April 2019 - Whiteley Clinic and College of Phlebology - Dinner montage