Catheter Directed Sclerotherapy (CDS):

This technique was developed by Dr Parsi in 1997. It involves using a catheter (a long line) under ultrasound guidance to inject the sclerosants. We use this technique to treat the lower half of the Great or Small Saphenous veins and any other long segments.

A needle is put in the vein through which a fine catheter is inserted and advanced along the whole length of the abnormal vein. Local anaesthetic is then injected around the vein to compress the vein down. The sclerosant is then injected via the catheter while the catheter is being withdrawn. This way large veins can be treated successfully using one entry point only.