In the past, patients of varicose veins used to undergo open surgery for a few hours losing significant blood with a recovery time of two to three weeks. Now, the entire paradigm has shifted with the introduction of non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedures. It is vastly different than two decades ago with all the wonderful methods for treatment of varicose veins.
Discussion with Dr. Manish Taneja, Varicose Veins Specialist, at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic
Latest Advances in Varicose Veins Treatments
1. Are varicose veins more than just a cosmetic concern?
Dr. Manish Taneja: While varicose veins are a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide, they are not just a cosmetic issue. For many individuals, varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and other symptoms that can impact their daily lives. Varicose veins and venous reflux disease can lead to significant physical problems. In more severe cases, these can cause skin changes such as dermatitis / eczema and ulcers affecting the legs, besides causing recurrent infections.
Some patients with varicose veins experience acute pain, tenderness, and redness overlying the veins that is known as thrombophlebitis (acute inflammation and clotting of the varicose veins). Spider veins can cause itching and aching pain in the affected area that can become quite significant. It’s important for patients to seek medical evaluation and treatment to avoid long term effects and prevent these complications. (Understand the symptoms of varicose veins, different types, causes, and more with our helpful post and video on varicose veins on our blog page).
2. What are some innovations that have led to more precise assessments and better-informed treatment plans for varicose veins and spider veins patients?
Dr. Manish Taneja: In the beginning of my practice, crude diagnostic techniques were used for testing with only clinical examinations. Nowadays, we can detect and plan treatment based on the terrific advances in imaging technology from handheld dopplers to high-end imaging machines including high-resolution ultrasound machines and angiography techniques using CT / MRI scans. There is no risk to patients as all of them are non-invasive. By using advanced imaging, we can precisely identify the underlying issues caused by varicose veins and tailor the treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Also, the integration of advanced imaging technologies are bringing better quality of care. Not all varicose veins require surgical intervention and the future is bright for non-invasive treatment options of varicose veins.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Varicose Veins as a Worldwide Trend
3. Are Minimally Invasive Procedures becoming more prevalent in terms of successfully treating varicose veins and spider veins?
In the past, patients of varicose veins used to undergo open surgery for a few hours losing significant blood with a recovery time of two to three weeks. Now, the entire paradigm has shifted with the introduction of non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedures. It is vastly different than two decades ago with all the wonderful methods for treatment of varicose veins. Laser treatment is very popular and the recurrence rate of varicose veins is very low. Patients do not need to rest, can start walking immediately, and resume normal duties the next day. Another popular treatment is radiofrequency ablation. The concept is similar to laser treatments but instead of laser, it uses heat generated from radiofrequency energy.
A Look into Laserendovenous Treatment and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
4. For patients who are unfamiliar with endovascular surgery and interventional radiology, how do these procedures differ from traditional surgeries?
Dr. Manish Taneja: Endovascular surgery and interventional radiology are minimally invasive procedures used to treat varicose veins.
Endovascular surgery: This approach involves making a small incision or using a needle puncture to access the affected vein. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is then inserted into the vein. Through the catheter, heat or a special adhesive is applied to close off the varicose vein. This method is known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Endovascular surgery typically results in less pain, scarring, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional vein stripping surgery. It is far less invasive and safer. The patient can go home the next day, something which is not possible with regular surgery. It is a global trend and a minimally-invasive surgery for treating venous diseases.
Interventional Radiology: This involves the use of imaging technology, such as high-resolution ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to guide the treatment. A catheter is inserted into the damaged vein, and the doctor can watch the procedure in real-time on a screen to precisely deliver the treatment, which may involve closing off the vein with heat, chemicals, or special devices. Interventional radiology offers a less invasive and more targeted approach to treating varicose veins, reducing the risk and discomfort associated with traditional surgery.
Both of these approaches aim to close off or remove the damaged vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins, and thereby alleviating the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins. They are often preferred by patients too due to their minimally invasive nature and shorter recovery times. However, the choice of treatment depends on individual factors and the severity of the varicose veins. (The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is a specialized varicose veins clinic in Singapore. We provide cutting-edge treatments for varicose veins and spider veins with our specialist Dr. Manish Taneja. We emphasize accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and proper care to help improve your quality of life for a range of medical conditions.)
Introducing and Providing World-Class Service and Care For Varicose Veins Patients
5. How did you get started in your professional journey?
Dr. Manish Taneja: When I started my training in 1995, I was excited to join as a young consultant at the Vascular and Interventional Centre at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) in 2006 up until 2012. I saw a full spectrum of vascular conditions and diseases in my day to day practice at SGH. For instance, I would be either performing stenting of an artery in the leg, angioplasty, or treating varicose veins and spider veins the next day. Another day, I would be in challenging clinical cases of more complex vascular conditions. I was enamoured and it motivated me to pursue vascular medicine and carry on from there!
6. Transitioning from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) to starting a private practice is significant. What prompted your decision to move to Raffles Hospital in 2012 and contribute to the establishment of the Raffles Vascular Intervention Centre?
Dr. Manish Taneja: Raffles Hospital offers dedicated world-class cutting vascular service including neurovascular conditions and vascular conditions in Singapore. Raffles Hospital gave me a good opportunity to be involved in direct care and the Raffles Vascular Intervention Centre eventually grew into a dedicated centre. That’s where we started this specialised practice and it was very rewarding building a specialized center within a private hospital environment.
Emphasizing Commitment and Sincerity At Our Specialized Varicose Veins Clinic in Singapore
7. As a medical practitioner of a private clinic, what is one single important thing to you as a doctor in treating patients?
Dr. Manish Taneja: Currently, I feel extremely fortunate to be one of Singapore’s full-time independent interventional radiologists and varicose veins specialist in private practice at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic. I have a really exciting and fulfilling job, and each day brings a different gratifying experience! As of now, I feel I have successfully managed to set up a complete world-class service in private practice in Singapore to the best of my ability.
One important thing I’ve learned is patient communication and assuring a patient is one of the most important things that you can do. It makes a huge difference to people’s lives. This is something that we can take for granted as medical practitioners.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
There are various techniques available to treat varicose veins depending on clinical presentation. We offer specialized care for varicose veins treatments at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore. These include:
- Conservative medical management including compression socks
- Laser endovenous treatment (EVLT)
- Radio-frequency endovenous ablation (RFA)
- Clarivein endovenous treatment
- VenaSeal endovenous closure system
- Microwave endovenous ablation
- Open surgery
- Venous avulsions
- Sclerotherapy
- Cryolaser and cryosclerotherapy
Learn more also about “Spider Veins: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment”. Although they might be a cosmetic concern, they can also lead to serious health issues.
What are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Treatments?
- No major surgery
- No or minimal visible scars
- Quick recovery
- Same day admission and discharge
- Clinic based treatments
Visit the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for Minimally Invasive Procedures of Varicose Veins
At our specialized vascular and interventional clinic in Singapore, we are committed to providing expert care and tailored treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes for our varicose veins and spider veins patients.
Read More About Varicose Veins and Vein Diseases Treatments on Our Blog
To dive deeper into types of venous diseases, head over to our clinic’s blog.
Read our recommended venous diseases related blog posts to stay informed.
Varicose Veins Resources
Explore our varicose veins and spider veins resources for patients. Gain insight into the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins conditions, their underlying causes, symptoms, and complications. Connect with your vascular health.
Keep Varicose Veins and Spider Veins at Bay
If your legs feel sore persistently, achy when standing long periods, or maybe you notice blue or purple veins even bulging in the area, chances are these symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins could lead to other serious venous diseases such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), or Leg Swelling due to increased pressure forming larger blood clots over time. Varicose veins are fully treatable with minimally invasive procedures and treatments offering minimal downtime and quick recovery preventing further complications. Long term effects of untreated varicose veins can hinder your daily life and impact your health.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore is here to diagnose and treat varicose veins smoothening patients’ experience to find relief and comfort. As a vascular and interventional radiology specialist based in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja looks after a spectrum of venous diseases, peripheral vascular malformations, and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Manish Taneja also has extensive experience in performing all vascular interventions, non-vascular interventions and interventional oncology procedures.
Venous Diseases and Other Vascular Treatments
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various vascular conditions and pain management. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our varicose veins specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.