About Us
Singapore Vein Centre (SVC) was Singapore's very first provider of EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) with the first cases carried out in 2003. Since then we have been at the forefront of developments in the field of minimally invasive varicose vein treatment. Unlike most other providers of vein treatments, we are a one-stop specialist vein clinic. Headed by eminent vascular surgeon, Dr Imran Nawaz, we aim to provide the highest possible level of care for our patients.
At SVC, we specialize in the assessment and management of all leg vein problems. We are centrally located in Camden Medical Centre, one of Singapore's premier medical centers, situated on Orchard Boulevard and Singapore Vein Centre is at Suite #11-03.
We employ high-resolution ultrasound equipment and qualified vascular technologists to help evaluate the exact nature of any vein problem and identify the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient. The emphasis is on minimally invasive, safe and quality treatment with minimum downtime and immediate return to normal activity and work.
Our friendly staff are only too happy to answer your enquiries over the phone (65) 6733 0377 or by email enquiry@svc.sg or provide printed information available at our front desk
Products & Services
| COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND SCAN |
 |
To get the best results in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins, it is important to identify accurately the exact veins involved and to identify the sources and sites of venous reflux. Visible varicose veins are like the "tip of the iceberg" and it is not possible to be sure of what is going on with the veins deeper in the leg by just visual inspection.
A Color Doppler Ultrasound Scan is the state-of-the-art test that can accurately and clearly demonstrate and document the state of the venous system in the legs. It is not painful and has no risks. The test is carried out with the patient standing and it takes about 20 minutes to scan both legs.
At TVC the scan is carried out independently by our qualified vascular technologist. |
| INJECTION SCLEROTHERAPY |
    |
This is a treatment process where a sclerosant (a chemical or medicine) solution is injected into the varicose or spider veins. This solution causes irritation and damage to the veins injected, causing them to shrink and disappear over several weeks to months.
Sclerotherapy is not a new treatment method but with recent advances in the technique and the discovery of newer, more effective and safer sclerosants, this procedure has regained popularity and renewed success.
In Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS), the sclerosant is delivered with precision into the unwanted varicose veins and also into sites of venous reflux not visible externally.
In Foam Sclerotherapy, the sclerosant solution is mixed with gas and agitated mechanically to form foam. Sclerosant foam has been found to be more effective in sealing larger varicose veins than liquid sclerosant.
Sclerotherapy remains the best method of treating spider veins and smaller varicose veins. The newer techniques with USGS and Foam are good alternative treatments for larger varicose veins when EVLT or surgical stripping are not possible.
Each vein or group of spider veins may require multiple injection sessions (up to six but usually 2 to 3) about six weeks apart to achieve the desired results.
Each session usually takes less than an hour. After the treatment, venous compression stockings have to be worn for up to one week. The patient can return to nearly normal activities almost immediately. About 10% of veins may never disappear with sclerotherapy despite repeated injections.
Although easy and relatively safe, accurate injections into the veins are important, as accidental injection outside the vein may cause serious side-effects. |
| TRANSCUTANEOUS LASER TREATMENT |
|
In Transcutaneous Laser Treatment (TCLT), laser light is shone on the surface of the skin overlying the veins to be treated. This is to be differentiated from Endovenous Venous Laser Treatment or EVLT in which the laser energy is delivered directly into the varicose veins using a fibre-optic wire.
During TCLT, laser light passes through the skin and is absorbed by the red blood cells in the targeted veins. The light energy is converted to heat which causes damage to the treated veins. The damage veins shrink and disappear over several weeks.
Like sclerotherapy, several treatment sessions, about six weeks apart, may be needed at each site to achieve satisfactory clearance of the treated veins. The procedure is carried out without the need for anesthesia. Typical procedures take about 30 to 45 minutes. There are no incisions or skin punctures. There is no need for venous compression stockings after the treatment.
TCLT can only reach a certain depth and is best for very fine spider veins to medium sized reticular veins. Larger, deeper varicose veins cannot as yet be treated safely with this as the energy required for them will be so high that it will damage the overlying skin as well.
TCLT can be used to treat spider veins on the legs as well as unsightly thread or spider veins on face and body. |
| SURGICAL LIGATION AND STRIPPING |
|
This is the classic operation for removal of varicose veins. It requires a general or regional anesthesia, and often hospitalization. Incisions are made in the groin and in various parts of the leg to access the varicose veins which are tied off (ligation) and ripped out (stripping). Although this can be done quite nicely nowadays with very small incisions and even as a day case, it is still an operation and leaves some scars. The procedure, however, has been around for a long time and is proven to effectively remove large varicose veins with acceptable cosmetic results. |
| ENDOGENOUS LASER THERAPY (EVLT) |
   |
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment method for large varicose veins. A fibre optic wire is inserted into the veins and laser energy is delivered directly into the lumen of the vein, thereby avoiding heating up skin or surrounding structures. Adequate energy can then be accurately delivered and the treated vein be heated up to allow it to shrink and disappear over time.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, sometimes with some sedation, No hospitalization is needed. There are no incisions (except a single tiny puncture) and thus no scars. Pain is minimal. The patient can walk out of the clinic immediately and continue with normal daily activities.
Patients with very tortuous varicose veins or varicose veins which were treated incompletely previously may not be candidates for this procedure as the laser fibre may not be able to navigate through the vein.
EVLT was pioneered in the USA by Drs. Robert Min and Luis Navarro in 1999 and then gained more widespread use in the early 2000s. Dr. Nawaz carried out the first EVLT procedure in this region in 2003.
Numerous international research studies have shown that this method of treatment is superior to the conventional open surgery for varicose vein treatment. EVLT is as effective (if not, indeed, more so) in getting rid of the varicose veins than open surgery, but being so much less invasive and less painful with less complications, it has virtually replaced open surgery in most major vein centres of the world. |
| COMPRESSION STOCKINGS |
The use of compression hosiery as a treatment for varicose veins has been around for a long time. However, to be effective, the stockings have to be properly fitted and worn all day, every day, for the rest of the patient's life. This can be impossible, even if you are not living in hot climates!
Stockings are used to help support the patient who is waiting definitive treatment. Also after all the treatments mentioned above, stockings need to be worn for about one to two weeks.
Venous compression stockings come in various sizes, lengths and degrees of compression, Even different materials and colors are available. |
| MEDICATIONS AND CREAMS |
Although some drugs like Daflon 500 help to alleviate symptoms caused by varicose veins, there are no oral drugs or topical creams available that will eliminate varicose veins on their own.
|
|
