Specialties
Mr Brooks has an extensive experience in varicose vein surgery, having performed 137 varicose vein procedures in 2012 alone. He uses the full spectrum of procedures available. Ranging from open surgery to hypermodern “key hole” endovenous therapy.
Endovenous therapy uses either a laser or radiofrequency probe to avoid the need to surgical stripping the main veins in the leg. This reduces the risk of post-operative pain and haematoma formation. Mr Brooks is usually able to avoid the need for an incision in the groin or behind the knee. In select cases, a general anaesthetic may be avoided altogether.
The endovenous radiofrequency ablation works by passing a probe into the vein that is the cause of the varicose veins. He does this by using local anaesthetic with ultrasound guidance and minimally invasive techniques to get the probe into the diseased vein. A cool tumescence fluid containing local anaesthetic is inserted to collapse the vein onto the probe and provides a “heat sink” for the radiofrequency probe. Ultrasound is used to confirm none of the more important deep veins are at risk. The probe then seals the vein shut without the need for surgical removing the vein. This is done without a surgical incision.
The vast majority of endovenous procedures are performed as a day cases with patients walking quickly post procedure.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation treatment provides a superior cosmetic outcome. Select cases may have only one small entry point for the radiofrequency probe several mm wide at the knee, which fades over 6-9 months.
Endovenous ablation is used in conjunction with either sclerotherapy or multiple small stab avulsions depending on the extent of the varicosities and patient preference.
Patients are dressed with compression bandages and once dressings are changed several days later are placed in a compression stocking for 3 weeks.
Carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that supply the brain. These vessels are prone to “hardening of the arteries” known as atherosclerosis. At times this “hardening” can cause clots to travel to the brain. This often results in a mini stroke, stroke or sudden loss of vision. Once the disease in the carotid arteries starts to cause problems, the patient is at a high risk of future strokes. Immediate medical attention should be sought.
Endovenous therapy uses either a laser or radiofrequency probe to avoid the need to surgical stripping the main veins in the leg. This reduces the risk of post-operative pain and haematoma formation. Mr Brooks is usually able to avoid the need for an incision in the groin or behind the knee. In select cases, a general anaesthetic may be avoided altogether.
The endovenous radiofrequency ablation works by passing a probe into the vein that is the cause of the varicose veins. He does this by using local anaesthetic with ultrasound guidance and minimally invasive techniques to get the probe into the diseased vein. A cool tumescence fluid containing local anaesthetic is inserted to collapse the vein onto the probe and provides a “heat sink” for the radiofrequency probe. Ultrasound is used to confirm none of the more important deep veins are at risk. The probe then seals the vein shut without the need for surgical removing the vein. This is done without a surgical incision.
The vast majority of endovenous procedures are performed as a day cases with patients walking quickly post procedure.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation treatment provides a superior cosmetic outcome. Select cases may have only one small entry point for the radiofrequency probe several mm wide at the knee, which fades over 6-9 months.
Endovenous ablation is used in conjunction with either sclerotherapy or multiple small stab avulsions depending on the extent of the varicosities and patient preference.
Patients are dressed with compression bandages and once dressings are changed several days later are placed in a compression stocking for 3 weeks.
As the population ages the amount of lower leg arterial disease increases. This is caused by “hardening of the arteries” in which plaque builds up in the walls of the vessels. Once this plaque starts blocking the blood flow it starts to affect the leg. Smoking and diabetes greatly increases the risk of getting arterial disease.
Disease without symptoms
As the population ages the amount of lower leg arterial disease increases. This is caused by “hardening of the arteries” in which plaque builds up in the walls of the vessels. Once this plaque starts blocking the blood flow it starts to affect the leg. Smoking and diabetes greatly increases the risk of getting arterial disease.
Trouble Walking (claudication)
When the blockages get more profound, the leg can become painful when walking. This usually suggests the blood flow is satisfactory when resting but not when walking. Mr Brooks spends time with patients to navigate the multitude of possible therapies, ranging from careful watching to keyhole interventions such as balloon angioplasty or stent, and open bypass surgery.
Pain in the foot (rest pain) or Gangrene
When the blockages get so advanced that there is insufficient blood flow when resting, most patients will experience pain in their foot. This can progress to gangrene. This represents a major threat to the leg and timely invention is usually required. Mr Brooks has vast experience in keyhole balloon angioplasty and stents, as well as open surgical bypass. He takes time to discuss all the options with the patient and their families.
Diabetic ulcers
Some diabetic patients get ulcers despite not having blockages in the large blood vessels; these are often caused by the lack of protective pain sensation. When a patient has been diabetic for some time they often lack any feeling in the feet. This can cause major problems with ulcer formation and infection. At times, the patient may be unaware of any problem due to the lack of feeling and pain. Mr Brooks believes in working closely with the high risk foot clinic, close control of sugars, drainage of any infection, specialised foot wear and extensive patient education with close coordination with the GP.
Sudden leg pain (acutely ischaemic leg)
Sudden onset of leg pain requires immediate medical attention. Patients should present to the local Emergency Department.
Mr Brooks is an active member of Alfred vascular team with a special interest in vascular trauma. He participates on the Vascular on call roster which regularly involves managing trauma patients from the Alfred trauma centre.
He also helps educate other doctors in the importance of treating trauma patients in a structured manner. As an instructor on the Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) course run by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), Mr Brooks guides the next generation of doctors treating Trauma. This also gives him the chance to help propagate his surgical skills outside the confines of surgical sub-speciality training to trauma doctors
in general.
The Aorta is the main artery in the body. With every heart beat it expands and contracts as the blood is pumped into it from the heart. This happens over 2 million times each month.
In some people as they age the aorta enlarges. Several factors are involved; the main ones are smoking, high blood pressure, being male, genes, and age.
As the aorta gets bigger it is at increased risk of rupture. If the aorta ruptures survival rates are low.
Mr Brooks is proficient in both major forms of repair. Traditional open surgical repair and endovascular “key hole” repair. Mr Brooks takes time to discuss the management with the patient and family, whether open surgical, endovascular repair, or careful monitoring is the best option.
