Venclose radiofrequency ablation at The Whiteley Clinic – Prof Mark Whiteley 19 November 2018
Venclose is a new varicose vein treatment. It is a form of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This has been proven to be a very good way of treating varicose veins. Indeed, Prof Mark Whiteley and his team have recently published 15-year results of radiofrequency ablation.
Radiofrequency ablation is a way of treating varicose veins under local anaesthetic. It does not get rid of the varicose veins on the surface. We treat the surface varicose veins by phlebectomy or foam sclerotherapy.
Venclose permanently destroys the “truncal veins”. These “truncal veins” are the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein or anterior accessory saphenous vein. Anyone or more of these can lose their valves. When they do this, blood refluxes down the veins causing varicose veins or “hidden varicose veins”.
Radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation both use heat to permanently close the veins. They are the NICE first line recommended ways to treat varicose veins.
The most commonly used sort of radiofrequency ablation has a 7 cm long tip for treatment. Therefore it heats the target vein in 7 cm sections. It cannot be used for veins smaller than 7 cm. To do this, you have to open a smaller catheter with a 3 cm tip. This increases the costs of the operation.
Venclose radiofrequency ablation has a variable tip. When all of the tip is used, a 10 cm section of the vein can be treated at one go. However, for small sections, just the 2.5 cm tip can be switched on. This gives much more flexibility to the surgeon when treating veins. It means that surgeons can position the catheter and choose how much to close at one time.
Venclose radiofrequency ablation at The Whiteley Clinic – Venclose console 19 November 2018
The cost of Venclose radiofrequency ablation is exactly the same as any other form of radiofrequency ablation.
The cost of a procedure depends on many factors. Just like if you have a broken down car, you cannot estimate the cost merely on “repairing it”. In the case of a car, it may just have run out of petrol. However, it may need a new engine.
When varicose veins have formed, it is simply impossible to know the cost of any treatment. A quote can be sent once the venous duplex ultrasound has been performed.
We plan treatment through The Whiteley Protocol.
The cost depends on how many truncal veins need treatment. In some patients, no truncal veins need treatment at all. In others, it can be up to 3 per leg. Additionally, there are perforators and pelvic veins that may need treatment.
We have tried to simplify this and you can find how we have done this our pricing page.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
0330 058 1850
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