Transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins.
Description
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is used to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are a visible surface manifestation of an underlying syndrome of venous insufficiency.
Most patients with venous insufficiency have symptoms that may include feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching and cramps in the legs.
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is intended as an alternative to traditional phlebectomy for symptomatic varicosities of the leg and as an adjuvant to surgical removal of the saphenous vein.
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is performed under general, regional or local anaesthesia. An endoscopic transilluminator is inserted underneath the skin illuminating the vein clusters that need to be resected. A suction device with guarded blades (resector device) is then introduced via another incision at the other end of the varicose vein and the varicosities are cut and removed by suction. Once removal of the veins is complete a second stage anaesthetic is then injected to minimise bruising, pain and haematoma formation. The incisions are then closed with sutures or tape. The resector device can also be inserted through the first incision, minimising the number of incisions made during the procedure.
OPCS code:
Details
Surgical procedures
Contact details:
(for general enquiries or comments)
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
ip@nice.org.uk
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
