The Northern Vein Centre is the first specialist clinic in NZ, set up to deal solely with venous problems.
A leader in its field, the centre performed the first Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy in 1995, the first Endovenous laser treatment, and the first Trivex surgery in NZ.
As all forms of non-surgical and surgical treatments are undertaken, there is no commercial bias in treatment, as we believe that there is no one treatment that suits every person.
We deal with all problems relating to varicose veins as well as other venous disorders such as spider veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial thrombophlebitis. We are also Southern Cross affiliated.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when veins in the legs and thighs become enlarged and twisted. This is caused by the failure of the one-way valve system in the veins.
Typical symptoms of varicose veins include: tired, aching legs; leg swelling; itching in the area of the varicose vein and leg ulcers.
At this point, trying to replace or correct the valves has not been very successful, with loss of limb as a reported complication! Once varicosed, they remain so, and there is no treatment to correct them. Nor is there any treatment that can reverse the inborn weakness and tendency to develop varicose veins.
What are spider veins?
These are similar to varicose veins but smaller, are often red or blue in colour and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like a tree branch or spider web with their short jagged lines. Facial veins are typically found on the cheeks and nose, while the legs are the most common site for spider veins on the rest of the body.
What is deep vein thrombosis or DVT?
This is the formation of clots in the veins deep inside the leg. They can be dangerous as they can break off and travel in the bloodstream to the lungs.
What is superficial thrombophlebitis?
This occurs when a vein close to the skin becomes inflamed and develops a small clot. The area becomes red, swollen, lumpy and very tender. Normally the clot does not move along in the bloodstream however, if you have recurrent superficial thromboplebitis, there is an associated risk of a DVT.