Professor Mark Whiteley gave a varicose veins interview today on Dr Phil Hammond's radio show. It is available on BBC i-player until 10 June 2016 (link below). The conversation covered many aspects of varicose veins surgery and treatment. Subjects covered included leg ulcers, phlebitis,  thrombosis and what you can do to help yourself if you have varicose veins.

Dr Phil Hammond and Prof Mark Whiteley on Dr Phil Hammond Radio Show BBC Bristol 14 May 2016

Dr Hammond and Prof Whiteley also discussed why varicose veins form, who gets them and what problems they can cause. Prof Mark Whiteley explained that only about 15% of the population show varicose veins on the surface. Another 15% of the population have "hidden varicose veins". These may Another 15% of the population have "hidden varicose veins". These people might only see thread veins, swollen ankles, venous eczema, brown stains on the skin ... or might just have tired legs that feel better on elevation. Prof Whiteley explained that the only way hidden varicose veins can be diagnosed is by assessment by venous duplex ultrasound. The Whiteley Clinic performs offers such assessments at their open days ... 

BBC Radio Bristol

Varicose veins open day 9th July 2016

During the varicose veins interview, the next varicose vein open event in Bristol was announced (https://thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk/events/). The next one is on 9th July and there will be a further one on 12th November 2016. At these open days there is a talk explaining the latest advances and understanding of varicose veins and vein conditions. This is followed by individual assessments and, if needed, a screening venous duplex ultrasound scan will be performed by a specialist The Whiteley Clinic trained vascular technologist.

Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis and superficial thrombosis

One of the subjects discussed was the need for venous duplex ultrasound in patients with "phlebitis". Phlebitis is a clot in the superficial veins and so used to be called superficial venous thrombophlebitis. However recommendations in 2012 from USA and UK were based on research showing that 1 in every 100 cases of superficial venous thrombophlebitis actually showed blood clots going to the lungs - called pulmonary embolism.

Prof Mark Whiteley on Dr Phil Hammond Radio Show talking about varicose veins 14 May 2016

 Therefore vein specialists are now renaming this superficial venous thrombosis, showing it is a potentially serious condition. All of these patients need to be referred for a venous duplex ultrasound - if the thrombus is within 5 cm of the deep veins, these patients need to have anticoagulation to reduce the risks of clots going to the lungs. To hear the varicose veins interview before 10th June 2016 click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03t3wqx