Who is Mr Michael Gaunt?

Mr Gaunt is a consultant vascular surgeon whose independent practice covers London, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Mr Gaunt treats private patients at Harley Street, London, the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital and the BMI Bury St Edmunds Hospital.

Mr Gaunt specialises in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and is one of the most experienced surgeons in the UK. He has performed over 6,000 of these procedures including endovenous laser ablation(EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.

How experienced is Michael Gaunt?

Practising for 35 years in hospital medicine, 24 of which have been as a consultant vascular surgeon, Mr Gaunt has treated many thousands of patients suffering from a wide range of conditions.

What other expertise does he have?

Michael Gaunt is also a recognised expert in Endovenous Laser Ablation varicose vein treatment and has, to date, completed more than 6,000 Endovenous Laser procedures. This makes him one of the most experienced surgeons in the Endovenous Laser technique in the UK. He has also lectured on Endovenous Laser to other surgeons – and trained them in the technique – in such places as Brazil, Madrid and Paris. He was one of the first surgeons in the UK to perform the laser technique which reduces the need to insert large volumes of local anaesthetic, making the procedure even less invasive.

How much will it cost?

An initial consultation with Mr Michael Gaunt starts at £250 to include an individual treatment plan (this does NOT include the cost of a duplex ultrasound scan – please see below). For further details regarding fees, please call Mr Gaunt’s team on 01223 305858.

Patients with private medical insurance information leaflet>

Patients without private medical insurance information leaflet>

Do I need a scan?

Yes, a Duplex ultrasound is a simple, non-invasive investigation, allowing Michael Gaunt to assess the veins in your legs to determine which treatment is best for you. To avoid repeated visits to the hospital scans will normally be performed during your initial consultation, enabling Mr Gaunt to discuss appropriate treatments on completion.
Please call Mr Gaunt’s office on 01223 305858 for current diagnostic test costs, which are in addition to the consultation fee.

I don’t have medical insurance – can I still see you?

This is not a problem: Mr Gaunt treats insured and self-funding patients. Mr Gaunt’s office can advise you as to the range of costs depending on your condition and preferred hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

How long will it take to recover?

The majority of vein procedures are performed as day cases, with patients walking out of the hospital wearing their compression stockings and bandages at the end of the day (ClariVein is performed as a walk-in, walk-out procedure, as are injection sclerotherapy treatments). Research we performed a few years ago shows that some 72% of patients took no pain-killers at all after their surgery – not even a paracetamol. However if analgesia was required then simple paracetamol/Ibuprofen was sufficient. We like patients to go for two good walks a day, building up to a mile in the morning and evening. Otherwise patients can get back to normal activities as soon as they feel comfortable. Bandages are worn for two days and compression stockings for two weeks (for ClariVein procedures bandages are worn for three days and compression stockings for three weeks).   Patients vary in the time to return to work, ranging from the next day to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure, pre-existing medical conditions and the nature of the work.

Please contact Mr Gaunt’s office on 01223 305858 for specific details regarding exercise following surgery. 

Can I fly after treatment?

There are multiple factors that affect an individual’s risk of DVT and although risk can be reduced it cannot, like many things in life, be eliminated completely. This is particularly the case if you want to fly within the time periods I have indicated after your operation. Although the risks appear small – and I know that many of my patients have flown shortly after surgery and to my knowledge none of these have reported any problems.

If you take the decision to fly then this is at your own risk. 

FLIGHT INFORMATION document for patients 2019>

I’ve had previous varicose veins treatment can you still help me?

Michael Gaunt often treats patients with a history of previous varicose vein surgery or treatment. Offering a full consultation with Duplex ultrasound scan, your examination will include a review of your medical history, any medications you take on a regular basis, and a full examination of your vascular condition.