The new understanding of how venous leg ulcers occur

Duplex Ultrasound allowed researchers to look into veins as they worked - letting us see, for the first time, what really was happening. The results were startling.

It was found that:

Approx 40% of venous ulcers were due to Deep Vein Valve Failure (picture on right).

Approx 60% of venous ulcers were due to Superficial Vein Valve Failure (picture on left below).

Although it is true that we still have no easy way of treating DEEP valve failure, the SUPERFICIAL valve failure is now treated very well by specialist vein surgeons, using the new techniques that we have developed for varicose vein surgery (see www.veins.co.uk).

There is a complicating factor as there is also a third system called the 'PERFORATING VEINS'. However, these veins can be treated by techniques such as SEPS or TRLOP.

SEPS was invented in 1985 and we are currently researching the use of this technique in The Whiteley Clinic.

TRLOP, was invented by Mark Whiteley in December 2000 and was first presented to the Medical Community in Rome in September 2001.

These techniques are part of our routine procedures for patients and we can include such patients in the SUPERFICIAL vein valve failure group.

If you, or someone you know, are concerned about a leg ulcer or a condition that may lead to leg ulcers then please contact us for more information, or to book an appointment to see one our specialists.