Carotid Disease

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.