#11-03 / 04, 1 Orchard Boulevard,
  Singapore 248649
Tel: 6733 0377 | Fax: 6733 2677
Email:
After Office Hours Call : 6535 8833
 

Diagnostic Facilities

Color Doppler Ultrasound
Color Doppler studies accurately and clearly demonstrate and document the state of the venous system in the legs. Although varicose veins may be visible externally, their exact location, extent, and associated problems in the other veins can only be diagnosed with this tool. At The Vein Clinic and Vascular Centre, as in most established centres treating varicose veins, this is carried out as a routine independently by a qualified vascular technologist.

Treatments Available


Injection Sclerotherapy
This is a treatment process where a chemical solution is injected into the varicose or spider veins. This solution causes irritation and damage to the veins injected, causing them to shrink and disappear over several weeks to months. Each vein or group of spiders may require multiple injections (up to six but usually 2 to 3) about six weeks apart.

About 10% of veins may never disappear with sclerotherapy despite repeated injections. Although easy and relatively safe, accurate injections into the veins are important, as accidental injection outside the vein may cause serious side-effects. This method is best for spider and reticular veins and for smaller varicose veins. It is not a good choice for large varicose veins.

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Transcutaneous Laser Treatment
Laser light is shone on the surface of the skin overlying the veins to be treated. The laser light is absorbed by the red blood cells in the veins. The light energy is converted to heat which causes damage to the veins. The damage veins shrink and disappear over several weeks.

Like sclerotherapy, several treatment sessions, about six weeks apart, may be needed at each site to achieve satisfactory clearance of the treated veins.

This method, too, is best for very fine spider veins to medium sized reticular veins. Larger varicose veins cannot as yet be treated safely with this as the energy required for them will be so high that it will burn the skin and surrounding tissue as well.

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Before Treatment After Treatment
Ligation and Stripping
This is the classic operation for removal of varicose veins. It requires a general or regional anesthesia, and often hospitalization. Incisions are made in the groin and in various parts of the leg to access the varicose veins which are tied off (ligation) and ripped out (stripping). Although this can be done quite nicely nowadays with very small incisions and even as a day case, it is still an operation and leaves some scars. The procedure, however, has been around for a long time and is proven to effectively remove large varicose veins with acceptable cosmetic results.
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Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
The latest state-of-the-art treatment method for large varicose veins. A fibre optic wire is inserted into the veins and laser energy is delivered directly into the lumen of the vein, thereby avoiding heating up skin or surrounding structures. Adequate energy can then be accurately delivered and the treated vein be heated up to allow it to shrink and disappear over time.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia with some sedation. No hospitalization is needed. There are no incisions (except a single tiny puncture) and thus no scars. Pain is minimal. The patient can walk out of the clinic immediately and continue with normal daily activities.
Before Treatment After Treatment
Patients with very tortuous varicose veins or varicose veins which were treated incompletely previously may not be candidates for this procedure as the laser fibre may not be able to navigate through the vein.

EVLT has been around for more than 5 years and it was first introduced to this region at The Vein Clinic and Vascular Centre. Studies done so far show that this method of treatment is equivalent, if not better than, traditional surgery for varicose vein treatment.
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Compression Stockings
The use of compression hosiery as a treatment for varicose veins has been around for a long time. However, to be effective, the stockings have to be properly fitted and worn all day, everyday, for the rest of the patient’s life. This can be impossible, even if you are not living in hot climates!

Stockings are used to help support the patient who is waiting definitive treatment. Also after all the treatments mentioned above, stockings need to be worn for about one to two weeks.

Venous compression stockings come in various sizes, lengths and degrees of compression. Even different materials and colors are available.
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Medications and Creams
Although some drugs like Daflon 500 help to alleviate symptoms caused by varicose veins, there are no oral drugs or topical creams available that will eliminate varicose veins on their own.
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