GP Care, in partnership with Origin Medical, provides a Varicose Vein Service for private patients at a time when treatment of varicose veins rarely qualifies for treatment under the NHS.
The Service offers leading-edge treatments and exceptional levels of patient care to private patients suffering from the effects – aesthetic, medical or both - of varicose veins. The service offers:
- Latest endovenous treatments - for clinical effectiveness and negligible recurrence
- Locally practising Consultant Vascular Surgeons for reassurance and accessibility
- 1 to 2 hour outpatient treatment - minimal disruption to the patient's schedule
- Local anaesthetic, minimally invasive - avoids bruising, scarring and immobility
The Service has been set up at a clinic in Bedminster, Bristol which offers bright, modern and pleasant surroundings, a separate waiting area and good accessibility with plentiful parking.
Patients attend (normally within 10 days) for a consultation and diagnostic ultrasound scan with the Consultant, and for their treatment within 4 weeks. The final stage is a follow-up with the Consultant to ensure that the treatment has been a success.
Prices are £500 for the consultation and scan and £2,000 (unilateral) or £3,000 (bilateral) for the procedure. Patients may opt to pay for the treatment themselves or may be covered under their existing Private Medical Insurance, depending on the severity of the condition.
Further Information:
Causes
Varicose veins are distended branches of the major veins in the leg. They become distended due to failure of the valves in the main veins which allows blood to fall back down the leg (reflux). Venous reflux is the major cause of most venous diseases and is almost always the cause of varicose veins.
The specific causes of vein problems are undetermined and will vary according to the individual. They can affect men and women equally and may occur at almost any age. A number of contributory factors, including pregnancy and lifestyle factors, may exacerbate the symptoms but are often not the cause.
Effects
Varicose veins can result in aesthetic or medical effects or both (unsightly areas on the leg(s), swelling and discomfort, pain when standing or sitting for long periods, etc.)
Treatment
Proper diagnosis with colour, duplex ultrasound is essential in order to devise an appropriate and successful treatment. Following diagnosis one or a combination of treatments may be proposed. The GP Care / Origin Medical service offers a range of leading-edge treatments including VNUSTM RF Ablation, laser, phlebectomy and sclerotherapy which are all generally conducted under local anaesthetic in a local, outpatient setting. These are radically different approaches compared to the traditional practice of vein stripping and offer the following advantages:
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No general anaesthetic required, minimal disruption
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Minimally invasive, reduced bruising, scarring, discomfort
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Walk-in, walk-out procedure, generally 1-2 hours
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Safe and efficacious, high patient satisfaction, negligible recurrence
