Professor Campbell's unwavering support for cyanoacrylate glue left me AMAZED ??.

This week, I had a fascinating chat with Professor Bruce Campbell, who is the President of the Venous Forum here in the UK.

Bruce is an important and influential vein specialist.

When he speaks - people listen - not only doctors, but also nurses, managers, politicians and patients.

I was able to ask him for his thoughts on a wide range of topics. Watch the video here.

I am not going to hide the fact that I was AMAZED about many of the opinions he holds ??

Cyanoacrylate Glue: HIS Preferred Choice

Professor Campbell shared his personal preference for cyanoacrylate glue (such as Venaseal) for treating truncal reflux in varicose veins.

He (my emphasis) finds it to be more comfortable for patients and believes it may have advantages such as less nerve damage and pigmentation compared to endothermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency).

My Confession - I adopted the cyanoacrylate procedure in 2012 - and THANK GOODNESS - I did not cause my patients harm. I stopped when ancedotal reports of complications started to surface.

Addressing Concerns

We discussed potential long-term complications of cyanoacrylate glue, particularly the risk of type 4 hypersensitivity reactions.

Professor Campbell acknowledged the risk but believes it is relatively low (around 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000) and outweighed by the benefits of the treatment.

It's a risk HE is prepared to take.

Phlebectomies: Still a Valuable Tool

Professor Campbell also advocates for the continued use of phlebectomies (removal of varicose veins through small incisions) for tributary veins.

He finds them reliable and predictable, offering patients a guaranteed result with minimal discomfort.

As a reformed PHLEBAHOLIC I was unable to persuage Bruce that Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is a better approach to tributaries.

The Venous Forum: A Broad Church

Professor Campbell clarified that the Venous Forum is not solely focused on surgery.

It embraces a wide range of healthcare professionals involved in vein care, including vascular nurses, technologists, and sclerotherapists.

The forum actively promotes education, debate, and the development of national strategies for treating venous disease.

Nevertheless, Bruce is a surgeon and many of his views and opinions are influenced by his own professional background.

I haven't attended the Venous Forum for a long time. I hope to do so next year.

The UK Venous Ulcer Crisis

We discussed the growing problem of venous leg ulcers in the UK.

Professor Campbell highlighted the need for better education in primary care, improved referral pathways, and the prompt treatment of varicose veins in patients with ulcers or pre-ulcer states.

I put it to Bruce that the time for pathways, guidelines and debate is over. We need ACTION NOW.

Bruce enlightened me about the need for an EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH.

1,000,000 people with leg ulcers IN THE UK might disagree.

Guidelines and Guidance

We explored the role of guidelines in clinical practice, particularly NICE guidance (CG168).

Professor Campbell emphasised the importance of documenting any deviations from guidelines and providing clear justifications for treatment choices.

I wonder what the LAWYERS THINK?

Conclusion

This insightful discussion with Professor Campbell shed light on HIS current practices and some controversies in vein treatment.

His personal experiences and perspectives offer valuable insights for all vein care professionals.

I respectfully disagree with Professor Campbell on nearly every topic we covered. But, hopefully, if you've read any of my posts here, you know that already.

To be fair, Professor Campbell argued his case thoughtfully and we had a great discussion.

He was able to answer what I thought would be my KILLER QUESTION.

WOULD YOU HAVE GLUE, BRUCE?

He would! In fact he had hope to have his veins treated this way by Manj Gohel

That shows that he truly believes what he says.

I am very grateful to Bruce for giving up his time to explain his position to me.

In the end, I beg to differ, even with the President of the Venous Forum.

What's Your Take?

Do you use Cyanoacrylate Closure? What are your thoughts?

Have you had positive or negative experience of Super Glue for Veins?

Share your thoughts and experiences.