For a full understanding of The Whiteley Protocol® and all of the relevant references, please see the book "Why Varicose Veins Come Back - and How to Stop Them" (link: amazon.co.uk)

 The Whiteley Protocol® - Pioneering Venous Treatment

When it comes to venous treatment, The Whiteley Protocol® stands tall as a trailblazing approach that has transformed the lives of countless patients worldwide. Led by a team of visionary venous specialists, Prof Mark Whiteley and Judy Holdstock developed this protocol in 1999. However, since then, we have continually updated it on the basis of our research and audit results, research from other experts around the world and taking into account new technologies and inventions that are continually appearing. 

This ground-breaking protocol is an ever-evolving method of providing the optimal investigations and treatments for abnormal veins of the legs and/or pelvis, and is adhered to by all consultants and vascular technologists of The Whiteley Clinic.

In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why The Whiteley Protocol® is pivotal in venous treatment, setting a new standard of excellence in patient care.

A Patient-Centric Approach

In the past, and still in many varicose vein clinics, the doctor concentrates on 2 or 3 of the veins in the leg. These are the great and small saphenous veins, and those that are a bit better will also check the anterior accessory saphenous veins - now often called the "anterior saphenous vein".

However, we now know that there are at least 4 saphenous veins, 150 perforator veins and 3 pelvic veins on each side, any combination of which can cause varicose veins.

Hence, the first in The Whiteley Protocol® is a detailed duplex ultrasound of ALL of the veins of BOTH legs. This usually takes 15-20 minutes for each leg.

If pelvic veins are also contributing to the leg varicose veins, the patient is invited back for a specialist pelvic vein duplex scan. To get the best views, the bowel needs to be prepared so there is little or no gas. Hence, a pelvic scan needs to be planned.

Treatment stages:

Once we have a full map of the veins in the legs (and pelvis if needed), the patient then undergoes a planning and consenting session with their consultant.

With so many combinations of affected veins being possible, The Whiteley Protocol® can only be described in principle here. One of the first things that we learned in venous treatments is that to get the best results, a staged approach is needed. Trying to do all treatments in one session usually leads to sub-optimal or even unsuccessful outcomes.

Therefore, there are specific stages:

Stage 1: Stop the venous reflux

Stage 2: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy

Stage 3 (if needed): Cosmetic micro-foam microsclerotherapy for surface veins.

To explain each stage in more detail: 

Stage 1 of The Whiteley Protocol®**:**

·        Aim: Stop venous reflux.

The treatment used to stop the reflux will be specific to which veins are being targeted. For pelvic vein reflux, embolisation coils.
For saphenous vein reflux, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).

For incompetent perforators that reflux, the TRansLuminal Occlusion of Perforator (TRLOP) technique.

Currently, we do not generally use glue, radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, although this can change if new developments show better results (for an in-depth explanation, please see the book "Why Varicose Veins Come Back - and How to Stop Them").

For large refluxing varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomies.

Stage 2 of The Whiteley Protocol®:

·        Aims:
1] Stop venous stasis
2] Removes small diameter thin-walled veins - either green veins on the surface or complex deeper veins such as neovascular tissue (recurrent veins) or PAVA.
3] Reduce risks of re-growth and recurrence from budding endothelium.

We use the VARIXIO® system to make optimal foam-sclerotherapy foam, which is injected into the target vein, under ultrasound control. Once in place, compression is then needed for 21 days and nights for optimal results.

Stage 3 of The Whiteley Protocol®: 

·        Aims:
Remove any small cosmetic surface veins - green, blue or purple.

To get the best results for this cosmetic treatment, we make a micro-foam using the VARIXIO® system and a very low concentration sclerosant solution. As with all sclerotherapy, the best results are found when the patient wears compression for 21 days and nights. It takes up to 18 months to see the end result from cosmetic microsclerotherapy. As the outcome is determined by the patient, and not by any test, it is quite possible that several sessions might be needed to get the results that the patient wants.

General comments on The Whiteley Protocol®:

The Whiteley Protocol® places the patient at the centre of all decisions and treatments. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all approach, the protocol emphasises personalised care tailored to each patient's unique needs. This commitment to individualised treatment plans ensures that every aspect of the patient's venous condition is thoroughly evaluated, leading to more accurate diagnoses and highly effective treatment strategies.

Unrivalled Expertise and Research

The Whiteley Clinic is renowned for its team of world-class venous specialists and vascular technologists with an unparalleled depth of expertise. Prof. Mark Whiteley and Judy Holdstock are the pioneers behind The Whiteley Protocol®. Both of whom are globally recognised experts in their respected fields.

Under Prof Whiteley’s guidance, the clinic consistently pushes the boundaries of research, continually refining and updating The Whiteley Protocol® to stay at the forefront of medical advancements.

The Whiteley Protocol® - Evidence-Based Excellence

One of the distinguishing factors of The Whiteley Protocol® is its foundation on rigorous research. The team at The Whiteley Clinic has conducted extensive clinical studies to assess the effectiveness of various venous treatments and techniques. As a result, the protocol is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence, instilling confidence in both patients and medical professionals that it delivers unparalleled results.

Comprehensive and Integrated Treatment

Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on symptoms, The Whiteley Protocol® takes a comprehensive view of venous conditions. The protocol delves deep into the underlying causes of venous diseases, identifying and addressing all contributing factors. This approach ensures a more sustainable outcome, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving long-term patient satisfaction.

Cutting-Edge Techniques and Technology

The Whiteley Protocol® constantly evolves with advancements in medical technology and techniques. By embracing cutting-edge technology, the protocol can provide minimally and non-invasive procedures with greater precision, reduced recovery times, and improved patient comfort. This commitment to innovation further cements The Whiteley Clinic's position as a pioneer in venous treatment.

The Whiteley Protocol® and it's Global Recognition and Proven Success

The success of The Whiteley Protocol® has garnered international acclaim and recognition. Patients from all over the world seek treatment at The Whiteley Clinic due to its reputation for delivering outstanding results. Our clinic's impressive patient outcomes and low recurrence rates further solidify its pivotal role in venous treatment.

Conclusion

The Whiteley Protocol® has revolutionised venous treatment, providing patients with a beacon of hope for effective and long-lasting relief from venous conditions. With our patient-centric approach, unparalleled expertise, evidence-based excellence, and dedication to innovation, The Whiteley Clinic continues to set the standard for venous treatment worldwide.

If you or someone you know is struggling with venous issues, exploring The Whiteley Protocol® may be the transformative solution you've been searching for.

Remember, your journey to improved venous health begins with a simple step: contacting The Whiteley Clinic and experiencing the ground-breaking difference first-hand.

July 21, 2023