New Treatment for DVT with NASA Technology

Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT is a condition in which a blood clot in a vein causes dangerous swelling, usually in the leg.

It is potentially life-threatening as the clot can break apart and travel to the lung, causing pulmonary embolism.

However, for many patients, it is not a one-off emergency but a chronic condition which causes pain and discomfort for many years.

Treatment until now has been medication (blood-thinning drugs) or compression hosiery to prevent further clots or complications.

New DVT Treatment

Now scientists are working on a clinical trial of a new surgical technique which involves placing special stents in the vein to keep it open wider. The stents are made from titanium/nickel compound which was developed by NASA for the space programme.

Professor Toby Richards, who is leading the London branch of the study, said the results so far have been remarkable.

“Two thirds of the participants so far have been able to go back to work. From being pretty much housebound, that is a major achievement.”

“These are often young people, with their lifetimes ahead of them. We can give them all that back. Until now there has been pretty much no options for people with DVT. Potentially there are thousands of people out there who could benefit.”

More trials will be needed to prove the cost-effectiveness of the stents, which at £2,500 each, are expensive. However, the results do offer hope for those who are struggling with the day to day consequences of DVT and unable to enjoy normal activities.

Varicose & Thread Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private varicose vein treatment and see many patients who have been refused treatment on the NHS.

Their London Vein Treatment Centre offers EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.