Concierge vascular · London
ClariVein — varicose vein ablation without tumescent anaesthesia.
Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) for the great and small saphenous veins — a rotating catheter tip and a sclerosing agent, no heat, one needle stick. Duplex mapped, done by a consultant vascular surgeon, walk-in walk-out.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant vascular surgeon, in theatre
Not a walk-in vein clinic and not a training list. A named vascular surgeon, a proper day-case theatre, and duplex mapping before anything is treated.
- 02
The right ablation for your veins
ClariVein is not the only option. We compare MOCA against endovenous laser, radiofrequency and foam before you commit — and say when open surgery still wins.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What ClariVein costs privately in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics — with laser, radiofrequency and foam side-by-side so you can compare.
In short
One vein, one leg with ClariVein: £2,200–£3,200, back to work the next day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClariVein (MOCA) — single leg, one vein | £2,200–£3,200 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| ClariVein — bilateral or multiple veins | £3,200–£4,800 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Endovenous laser (EVLA) — comparison | £2,000–£3,000 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — comparison | £2,000–£3,000 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy | £600–£1,400 | 30 min | Same visit |
| Venous duplex mapping (consultation) | £250–£450 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which vascular surgeon does the case, by how many veins are treated, and by whether phlebectomies or foam sclerotherapy of tributaries are added on the day. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right vein, the right technique, the right surgeon.
Varicose veins are one of the most oversold procedures in private medicine — no duplex, wrong technique, tributaries left behind. We fix all three before you commit.
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Not sure it is needed?
Mild reflux without symptoms may only need class-2 stockings and reassurance. We say so before recommending a procedure.
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Worried about tumescent injections?
MOCA needs only one local anaesthetic at the access site — no injections along the length of the vein.
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Want it done properly?
A consultant vascular surgeon, a full duplex map first, MOCA where it fits and thermal ablation where it does not.
The journey
From enquiry to duplex review — what happens, in order.
One vascular surgeon from first message to the six-week review — with the mapping done before anything is treated.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
Under an hour at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, how long, whether it is cosmetic, aching, itching, bleeding or a healed ulcer.
- 02
Before
Duplex mapping first, always
A venous duplex ultrasound maps the reflux — great saphenous, small saphenous, anterior accessory or perforators — before any treatment is proposed.
- 03
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: MOCA, laser, radiofrequency, foam or surgery — with the reasons, and an indicative price.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the clinic
Arrival, consent and a chat with the vascular surgeon. Local anaesthetic at the access site only — no tumescent injections along the vein.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
30 to 45 minutes in a proper theatre. A rotating catheter tip inside the vein delivers polidocanol or STS as it is withdrawn. Walk-in, walk-out.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
A class-2 compression stocking is fitted before you leave. Written aftercare, a walk before you go, and home within an hour.
- 07
After
Recovery and review
Back to normal activity the next day. Stocking for one to two weeks. A duplex review at six weeks confirms the vein is closed.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to procedure. Duplex review: 6 weeks after.
When it helps
When ClariVein is the right step.
The venous patterns MOCA treats well, plus the red flag that means an emergency rather than an appointment.
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Great saphenous vein reflux
The commonest pattern — reflux from the groin down the inner thigh and calf, causing bulging varicose veins.
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Small saphenous vein reflux
Reflux behind the knee down the back of the calf — MOCA reaches this without the nerve-injury risk of thermal ablation.
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Anterior accessory saphenous
A tributary on the front of the thigh, often missed on a quick scan — duplex maps it, MOCA treats it.
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Aching, heavy, itching legs
Symptoms of venous reflux even before the veins look dramatic — worth treating early.
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Recurrent varicose veins
Veins that have come back after stripping or previous ablation — MOCA can retreat safely.
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Cosmetic bulging veins
A personal choice. Done properly, in theatre, after a duplex — not a spa treatment.
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Skin changes or healed ulcer
Brown staining, eczema or a healed venous ulcer are signs the reflux has been there too long — treatment is medically indicated.
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Red flag: hot, swollen, tender leg
A hot, painful, swollen calf may be a DVT — same-day A&E or GP, not a clinic booking.
Treatment options
ClariVein is not the only option.
MOCA compared with laser, radiofrequency, foam and surgery — and which fits which vein.
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ClariVein (MOCA)
Mechanochemical ablation. A rotating catheter tip combined with a sclerosant closes the vein — no heat, no tumescent anaesthesia, one needle stick.
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Endovenous laser (EVLA)
A laser fibre heats and closes the vein. Excellent long-term closure rates, but needs tumescent anaesthesia along the length of the vein.
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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency energy heats and closes the vein. Similar to laser — effective, but again requires tumescent injections.
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Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy
Foamed sclerosant injected under ultrasound. Best for tributaries and recurrences; less durable for large trunk veins on its own.
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Ambulatory phlebectomy
Tiny stab incisions remove bulging surface veins — often added to MOCA or laser at the same visit.
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Traditional stripping and ligation
The old operation. Still occasionally the right answer for very large or tortuous veins, or where endovenous access fails.
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Compression and lifestyle only
For mild reflux without symptoms — class-2 stockings, weight and exercise. A reasonable first step for some patients.
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Consultation and duplex only
A vascular surgeon, a duplex map, and an honest opinion on whether any treatment is needed at all.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of vascular surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant vascular surgeons across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every vascular surgeon in our network.
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Consultant vascular surgeons on the GMC specialist register, not general clinicians
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Venous duplex ultrasound performed and reported by the operating surgeon or an accredited vascular scientist
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MOCA, EVLA, RFA and foam all available so the technique is chosen for the vein, not the clinic
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Six-week duplex review included to confirm the vein has closed
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
ClariVein is a well-tolerated day-case treatment. The things worth knowing are the stocking, the bruising, and the small but real red flags to watch for.
Red flags — same-day A&E, not a clinic call
- Deep vein thrombosis — hot, swollen, tender calf
- Pulmonary embolism — sudden breathlessness or chest pain
- Sclerosant anaphylaxis — rash, wheeze, collapse
- Arterial injection — very rare, severe leg pain, discolouration
- Visual disturbance after foam — usually transient, still report
- Skin necrosis at the treated site
- Spreading superficial thrombophlebitis with fever
- Wound infection at the access site
- Non-target embolisation — chest pain, breathlessness
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Bruising along the treated vein
Common and expected. Bruising and tenderness along the closed vein settle over one to two weeks.
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Superficial thrombophlebitis
A tender, firm cord along the vein — inflammation, not a DVT. Common, self-limiting, helped by anti-inflammatories and walking.
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Deep vein thrombosis (rare)
Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) is well described for thermal ablation; the DVT rate after MOCA is under 1 percent. We screen with duplex at six weeks.
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Hyperpigmentation
Brown staining along the treated vein can occur, especially with sclerosants. Usually fades over months but is not always complete.
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Recurrence
No ablation is permanent for every patient. Recurrence rates for MOCA are similar to laser and RFA at three years — retreatable if it happens.
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Allergy to sclerosant
Polidocanol and STS are well tolerated but true allergy is possible — always ask the surgeon before treatment.
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Matting (fine red veins)
A blush of new tiny veins near the treated area in a small minority — cosmetic, treatable with microsclerotherapy.
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Compression stockings, then activity
Class-2 stocking for one to two weeks, walking from the same day, back to work in one to two days, gym in a week.
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Red flags
Sudden calf swelling and pain, breathlessness or chest pain after treatment are not normal — same-day A&E.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever ablation was used, the note the vascular surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Vascular language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Vein treated and technique used
Which vein — great saphenous, small saphenous, anterior accessory — and which technique (MOCA, laser, RFA, foam) was used.
- 02 Technique
Sclerosant, dose and access
The sclerosant used (polidocanol or STS), the concentration and volume, the access point, and any phlebectomies added.
- 03 Findings
Immediate closure and any issues
On-table duplex confirmation that the vein has closed, and notes on any tributaries left for a later visit.
- 04 Impression
Aftercare, stocking, review timing
Read this first: stocking duration, when to walk, when to fly, and when the six-week duplex review is booked.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for ClariVein varies by insurer and by indication — usually funded when varicose veins are medically symptomatic, self-pay for cosmetic cases. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about ClariVein.
Quick answers on pain, cost, alternatives, recovery and insurance cover.
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What is ClariVein and how is it different from laser?
ClariVein is a mechanochemical ablation — a rotating catheter tip inside the vein combined with a sclerosant (polidocanol or STS) closes the vein. Unlike laser or radiofrequency it uses no heat, so it does not need tumescent anaesthesia injected along the length of the vein.
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Is ClariVein painful?
A single local anaesthetic injection at the access site is all you feel. The catheter itself is not painful. Most patients rate it as more comfortable than thermal ablation, which needs many tumescent injections.
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How long does ClariVein take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes for one vein in one leg. You walk in, you walk out, and you leave the clinic within an hour of the procedure finishing.
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How much does ClariVein cost privately in London?
Roughly £2,200–£3,200 for one vein in one leg, £3,200–£4,800 for bilateral or multiple veins. Duplex mapping and the six-week review are included in our network prices.
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Is ClariVein as effective as laser or radiofrequency?
For appropriate veins, closure rates at three years are comparable to EVLA and RFA. Very large or unusually tortuous veins may still be better treated with thermal ablation or surgery — the duplex map decides.
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When can I go back to work and exercise?
Back to a desk job the next day. Walking is encouraged from the same day. Gym, running and heavy lifting wait a week. Long-haul flights wait two weeks.
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Do I have to wear compression stockings?
Yes. A class-2 stocking is fitted before you leave and worn for one to two weeks. It reduces bruising, tenderness and the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis.
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Will my veins come back?
Some recurrence is possible with any ablation — MOCA, laser, RFA or surgery. Recurrence rates at three years are similar across techniques. If a vein reopens or a new one refluxes, it can be retreated.
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Is ClariVein covered by insurance?
Usually yes when varicose veins are medically indicated — aching, bleeding, skin changes or a healed ulcer. Purely cosmetic treatment is normally self-pay. We confirm cover before booking.
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When should I see a GP or A&E urgently?
A hot, swollen, painful calf can be a DVT. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain can be a pulmonary embolism. Bleeding from a burst varicose vein needs pressure and A&E. All are same-day, not clinic bookings.
Sources and guidelines
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Varicose veins: diagnosis and management (CG168).
- European Society for Vascular Surgery. Clinical practice guidelines on the management of chronic venous disease.
- Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Varicose vein commissioning guidance.
- American Venous Forum. Handbook of venous and lymphatic disorders.
Last reviewed 2026-07-30. Next review due 2027-07-30. Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board ().
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In practice, in London
Getting clarivein sorted in London, without the guesswork
For clarivein, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. On the NHS, clarivein typically sits behind a triage step and a wait that can stretch from a few weeks into months. In London’s private sector, the same appointment often lands within days. That speed matters when symptoms are disrupting work, sleep, or a plan you’d already committed to — and it’s the single most common reason people call us in the first place.
A private clarivein pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For clarivein in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
The value of going through a concierge for clarivein isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.
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