50 GHP / Q3 2021 , Jun21268 Pioneering Varicose Vein Treatments Award-winning TheWhiteley Clinic introduced non-surgical varicose vein treatments to the United Kingdomwhen its founder, ProfessorMarkWhiteley performed the first endo-venous (non-surgical) varicose vein operation in the UK inMarch 1999. ProfessorWhiteley has been at the forefront of innovation in varicose vein treatments ever since and his clinic has now been recognised as Best for Varicose Vein Treatments 2021 – UK by Global Health & Pharma magazine. Join us as we take a closer look. In 2001, Professor Whiteley invented Transluminal Occlusion of Perforators (TRLOP) with Judy Holdstock, a technique to close perforating veins, and was the first in Europe to perform Microwave Ablation of Varicose Veins in February 2019. In addition to this, he was the first in the world to perform HIFU (Sonovein) treatment of varicose veins commercially. “We are internationally recognised for our research into investigating and treating varicose veins, venous leg ulcers and pelvic congestion syndrome,” Mark explains. “Having spent two decades studying these, including over a hundred peer-reviewed research papers, five books, several national and international prizes and several PhDs, we now understand veins in a way they have never been understood before.” Mark has been campaigning for 16 years to try and get patients with venous leg ulcers to be treated with endo-venous techniques. Randomised controlled trials have shown this to be the optimal way of treating leg ulcers rather than the usual compression bandaging. “Not only would it save the country £1-3 billion per year, but it would also improve patients’ quality of life and not surprising, it is already NICE guidelines although nobody seems to follow them,” states Mark, who has written a book for patients and relatives to help them understand this approach called Leg Ulcer Treatment Revolution. Mark and his team are recognised as world leaders in the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome, and Mark even wrote the first book on this subject for patients called Pelvic Congestion Syndrome – Chronic Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Venous Disorders. Alongside this, Mark has also introduced aesthetic phlebology (the treatment of veins on the face, breasts, hands, arms and feet) and has recently patented a new technique for treating vertical bulging veins on the forehead. He and his colleague from Brazil have written the first ever research paper showing how these can be treated successfully. Ever since the Bristol heart scandal, it has been known that patients will only be confident that doctors are getting good results, and the techniques they use are appropriate, if doctors and patients complete an ongoing registry in that condition. There are now many registries for heart disease, obesity surgery, major joint surgery, cancer, etc. “This is why myself and The Whiteley Clinic are founding members of The College of Phlebology Venous Registry,” said Mark. “This registry will allow patients to check medium and long-term outcomes, ensuring that they know their treatments at The Whiteley Clinic will provide excellent long-term results.” Meanwhile, over the last 18 months, the biggest challenge for The Whiteley Clinic has been the COVID-19 pandemic, but it found a solution. As a medical facility, it was able to develop a COVID-secure protocol relatively quickly which was approved by an independent infection-control company. In addition, the Clinic was awarded the COVID-secure badge by the medical insurer, BUPA. Prior COVID, the Clinic was actively planning further expansion within the UK and had attracted interest from several potential investors, and they are all hoping to pick up where they left off. Mark states, “Our research projects are proceeding to ensure that we remain at the top of venous surgery in the world and as we settle into the new post-COVID norm, we expect to resume our growth and expansion first in the UK and beyond.” Contact: Professor Mark Whiteley Email: [email protected] Website: www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk
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