Mr Ian Franklin

Mr Ian Franklin
Vascular surgery
Central London


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Mr Ian Franklin Vascular surgeon in
London

MS FRCS

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Professional statement

Mr Ian Franklin is a London-based leading specialist in vascular and endovascular surgery. His specialist interests include varicose and thread veins, aesthetic phlebology, pelvic vein congestion, deep vein thrombosis, leg swelling, and leg ulcers. Ian Franklin was a NHS doctor for 23 years including 12 years as consultant vascular surgeon at Imperial College NHS Trust performing a full range of arterial, venous and emergency vascular surgery. He is now a full-time private venous specialist, practising in various locations across the capital. He introduced key minimally invasive treatments to the NHS and has written numerous scientific papers, book chapters and a surgical textbook. Mr Franklin is involved in the education and training of other specialists in modern vein techniques all over the world and is the programme director of the International Charing Cross Venous Course held in London every April. He is a former member of the Council of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland and served as chairman of the Circulation Foundation. He is President Elect of the Royal Society of Medicine Venous Forum. 


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Varicose veins and thread veins: freque...

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Varicose veins and thread veins: what's...

 Credentials

GMC: 3461118

 Professional experience

• More than 25 years of experience
• Consultant Vascular Surgeon, The Cadogan Clinic
• Consultant Vascular Surgeon, King Edward VII Hospital
• Consultant Vascular Surgeon, The Lister Hospital

 ...

 Sub-specialties

• Varicose veins
• Thread veins
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Leg swelling
• Leg ulceration
• Lymphoedema
• Aesthetic phlebology
• Pelvic vein congestion 

 ...

 Teaching posts

• Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer (Imperial College)

 Education

• Imperial College, London

 Professional membership

• Programme Director, International Charing Cross Venous Course
• Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland
• European Society for Vascular Surgery
• Venous Forum
• British Medical Association
• Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland

 ...

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient reviews for Dr. Ian Franklin

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
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All reviews are from verified patients booked through Top Doctors.

Patient reviews

Verified Patient
10/10/2017

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
  • Facilities conditions

Patients comments

Mr franklin is a very honest man, i will definitely recommend. i’m so happy with my treatment i received.the staff are friendly!

Verified Patient
04/07/2017

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
  • Facilities conditions
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Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the thigh or calf. It causes swelling, a red patch or an ache in the leg, and ca ...

Leg ulcers

A leg ulcer occurs when a lesion on the lower leg becomes infected and takes longer than usual to heal. Older people and diabetics are more prone to t ...

Lymphoedema

What is lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by swelling in the tissues of the body along with fluid retention, as the bod ...

Pelvic congestion syndrome

Pelvic varices or pelvic congestion syndrome are dilated veins of the pelvis. It is a rare disease that affects 10% of women. Symptoms of pelvic varic ...

Spider veins

Spider veins, similar to varicose veins, are dilated veins that appear beneath the surface of the skin. They may be red, blue, or purple in colour, and take on the form of spider webs or tree branches. In severe cases of spider veins, bleeding may occur or the patient might experience discomfort and pain.  ...

Varicose veins

What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins, usually forming in the legs and feet. Often they can appear as lumpy, blue or purple and bulging. Although varicose veins are frequently a cosmetic concern, for some people they can also cause pain and discomfort, and can sometimes lead to more serious problems. There are different types of varicose veins, including: Reticular – red and grouped closely together. Trunk – close to the skin’s surface and very thick. Telangiectasia – also known as spider veins, they appear as small groups of blue or red veins that do not bulge.  What are the symptoms of varicose veins? The main symptoms of varicose veins include: heavy, aching legs burning or throbbing in the legs dry, itchy skin on the affected veins cramps in the legs, especially at night swollen ankles and feet What causes varicose veins? Varicose veins occur when the valves inside the veins malfunction. Blood should flow smoothly to the heart, but if a valve is weakened or damaged, blood can flow backwards and collect in the veins. This eventually results in swollen, varicose veins. There are certain risk factors associated with developing varicose veins, including: older age pregnancy being female being overweight having family members with varicose veins standing for long periods over time How can varicose veins be prevented? There is little evidence that indicates varicose veins can be prevented, however, techniques that improve circulation are thought to reduce the risk of developing them. There are also measures that can help relieve the symptoms caused by varicose veins: Exercising regularly, to maintain a healthy weight and to improve circulation. Avoid standing for long periods, and to move around frequently. If there is pain, raise the legs on pillows throughout the day to relieve the discomfort. What is the treatment for varicose veins? Initially, treatment for varicose veins is usually the use of compression socks or stockings, exercising regularly and elevating the legs when in discomfort.  However, if they are still causing pain and discomfort or have caused complications, then there are other treatment options, including: Sclerotherapy – special foam is used to close the affected veins. Endothermal ablation – heat is used to seal the veins. Ligation and stripping – the affected veins are removed.  ...

Endovascular surgery

Endovascular surgery treats pathologies of the circulatory system vessels, both at the arterial and at the venous level. There are multiple procedures available for treat different pathologies. ...

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA)

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA) is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery technique. Varicose veins are dilatations of the veins of the superficial and deep venous system located mainly in the lower legs. It is a technique with rapid recovery, which does not require hospithospitalisations less painful than conventional surgery. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The laser operation of varices consists of introducing a needle into the affected vein and, by means of a guide, introducing a laser fibre that provides heat. It closes the dilated vein, forcing the blood to circulate through other, deeper and healthier vessels. Although the results of this type of surgery are usually very reliable, there is always a risk of complications (thrombophlebitis, bleeding of varicose veins, varicose ulcers). ...

Foam sclerotherapy

What is foam sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy has been around as a treatment for a significant amount of time, and it involves injecting a special solution called a sclerosant into the vein, damaging the internal lining and creating a blood clot. The body then destroys the vein itself over time. With foam sclerotherapy, the solution is made into a foam by mixing it with a small amount of air and agitating the liquid. How does foam sclerotherapy work? In traditional sclerotherapy procedures, the blood can dilute the solution once it is injected into the vein. With a foam version of the solution, the air can in fact push the blood out of the way. The solution fills the vein, and stops when it comes into contact with larger veins, as it finally mixes with blood there and becomes ineffective. Over a short amount of time, the air in the solution leaves the injected vein, but the blood which was pushed aside sticks to the vein’s lining. This then blocks the vein off, effectively destroying it. How is foam sclerotherapy performed?   The surgeon applies local anaesthetic to the area they wish to treat. They use an ultrasound scan to detect the exact positioning of the vein, and insert a needle into it. The sclerosant solution is then injected, and the surgeon can monitor progress on the screen.  When enough foam has been injected, the needles are removed, and compression pads are applied to the leg. What is the aftercare for foam sclerotherapy? Bandages must be kept on for a few days. The patient then returns for a follow-up appointment, where the bandages and the compression pads will be removed. Sometimes patients need more than one session to completely remove the varicose veins, but usually when treatment is completed, the varicose veins will no longer be visible. Sometimes bruising occurs, but this is mild and usually goes away after a period of weeks. This is typical for most treatments of varicose veins. The patient can resume normal activity straight away, but is advised not to do vigorous exercise. This means patients can go back to work directly after the procedure, with little to no discomfort.  ...

Hand veins

Visible or prominent veins in the hands are usually due to age, but other factors such as exercise or hot weather can influence the appearance. They can be removed by techniques like sclerotherapy or surgery. ...

Thrombosis

What is thrombosis? Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a vein which can obstruct the flow of blood throughout the body. There are two types of thrombosis: phlebothrombosis and thrombophlebitis. The first (phlebothrombosis) is the formation of a clot inside the vein, without inflammation but with a great capacity for detachment, given that it is poorly attached to the vessel wall. These types of blood clot usually affect the deeper venous system (deep vein thrombosis) and in bad cases can cause a stroke or a pulmonary embolism. In the case of thrombophlebitis, the clot is usually attached to the venous wall and results in swelling, tenderness and redness in the affected area of the body. Thrombophlebitis commonly affects the smaller, superficial veins in your legs. What are the symptoms of thrombosis? The symptoms of phlebothrombosis are: Swelling Pain Can lead to a pulmonary embolism The symptoms of thrombophlebitis are: Swelling and redness Some pain What causes thrombosis? Venous thrombosis is caused by either venous stasis (the slow movement of blood which can happen during long periods of immobility), hypercoagulability (an increased tendency for your blood to create clots due to an imbalance of clotting chemicals in the blood) or damage to the vein. There are also certain risk factors that can increase chances of a blood clot forming: Older age Pregnancy Certain contraceptive pills Hormone replacement therapy Immobility (travel, hospital stays, injuries) Obesity Smoking Leg injury Major surgery Inherited blood disorders You have had previous blood clots Can a thrombosis be prevented? The emergence of a thrombosis can be prevented by controlling the normal fluidity of the bloodstream and preventing the formation of clots. Therefore, in certain cases such as those recovering from surgery or when a person is bedridden for a period, the administration of heparin or oral anticoagulants are recommended. In general, it is recommended to drink large amounts of water and carry out certain exercises to contract the muscles of the legs and thus stimulate the flow of blood. There are also measures you can take to avoid a thrombosis forming: Keeping fit and exercising regularly Losing weight if you are overweight Eating healthily Stop smoking and drinking in excess If you sit for long periods, take regular breaks to walk around and stretch your legs Wear flight socks on long flights or car journeys (these can be bought from a pharmacy). How is a thrombosis treated? Treating a thrombosis depends on the patients overall health, age and medical history as well as the type of thrombosis detected. Treatment options include anti-coagulant medication (blood thinners), clot-dissolving medications, compression stockings and varicose vein removal.  In patients with a thrombosis in the deep venous system of the leg (deep vein thrombosis), an emergency hospitalisation is required because if the clot detaches it, it could result in a pulmonary embolism or stroke. ...

Varicose veins surgery

A varicose vein operation involves removal of the veins. Varicose veins are swollen veins full of blood, which are painful and are usually found in the legs. If the patient has circulation problems, pain in the legs or simply wants to improve the appearance of the veins, they can consult a surgeon. ...

Vascular trauma

Vascular trauma is any impairment on an arterial, venous or lymphatic level. The most common location is in the limbs and often associated with neurological damage to bones or limbs. The time between when the traumatic injury occurred to the start of treatment should be as short as possible to avoid serious complications. Among the most common causes of vascular injury are road accidents, domestic accidents, and work accidents. Vascular trauma can also manifest as spider veins, varicose veins, or telangiectasia, but the most important common symptom is bleeding. Physical and complementary examinations are crucial to diagnose and assess the condition of the patient to rule out other associated injuries such as to the chest, abdomen or skull/brain. It is also very important to maintain the vital functions of the patient and stop the bleeding with medical or surgical treatment. ...

Venous insufficiency

What is venous insufficiency? Veins in your legs have to carry blood back to the heart, and they can do this because the veins have one-way valves the stop the blood from flowing backwards with gravity. However, if you suffer from venous insufficiency these valves do not function properly and some of the blood remains in your legs which causes the blood to collect in the veins. This can result in pain and swelling, and sometimes leads to ulcers forming on the legs. What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency? The symptoms of venous insufficiency are: Itching and tingling Swelling Intense pain (which gets worse when stood upright or when someone is stationary) Heaviness or cramping in the legs In addition, there are also changes in the skin such as irritated or dry areas if scratched. Thickening and hardening of the skin (it can sometimes look leathery). Varicose veins What causes venous insufficiency? Venous insufficiency is due to malfunctioning vein valves in the legs. These valves can be damaged by blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). If you do not exercise much you can be at risk from venous insufficiency. Other risk factors include: People over the age of 50 Family history of venous insufficiency or DVT Being obese Being pregnant People who sit or stand for long periods of time Can venous insufficiency be prevented? The best way to prevent venous insufficiency is to make certain lifestyle changes: Losing weight Exercising regularly Consuming less salt in your diet (this reduces your blood pressure) Wearing compression stockings to help the blood in your legs flow better (these are recommended if you have suffered from DVT or had venous trauma). How can venous insufficiency be treated? As well as the above lifestyle changes, there are also medical treatments that can be recommended, particularly if these non-surgical measures have not proved successful. The following treatments might be recommended: Sclerotherapy Ligation (faulty veins are cut and tied off so that blood no longer flows through it) Vein repair Vein bypass Vein transplant Endovenous thermal ablation (high-frequency radio waves or lasers are used to close the faulty veins) ...

Venous ulcer

What are venous ulcers? Venous ulcers are sores that develop on the legs due to problems with blood circulation through the veins of the leg and minor injury. The problems with blood flow can result in blood pressure in the veins increasing which eventually damages the tiny blood vessels in the skin, which if knocked or scratched, can easily break and form an ulcer. What are the symptoms of venous ulcers? The main symptoms of venous leg ulcers are: Swollen ankles Pain and heaviness in the legs Brown spots on the legs Itchy, red skin on the legs Bad-smelling discharge from the ulcers Skin around the ulcer can be hardened If the ulcer becomes infected pain would worsen, discharge from the ulcer would be green and smell very unpleasant and you might have a fever. If infection occurs, medical attention is important. What causes venous ulcers? As mentioned, venous leg ulcers are caused by damage to tiny blood vessels of the leg skin, which when damaged results in ulcers. The risk factors for developing venous leg ulcers are: Obese and overweight people, as more pressure is on their leg veins. People who have difficulty walking as circulation in their legs is poor. People with varicose veins (caused by damaged vein valves). Older people Previous injury which limits movement and can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Can venous ulcers be prevented? There are certain preventative measures, especially in those people who are predisposed to venous ulcers that can reduce the chances of ulcers forming, including: Hygiene – maintaining cleanliness of the legs and feet. Maintaining a healthy diet Compression stockings to help improve blood flow in the legs. Losing weight if you are overweight Treating underlying problems, such as varicose veins. How are venous ulcers treated? Venous leg ulcers can take up to four months to completely heal. The first step with an ulcer is clean and dress is properly, being careful that any dead tissue is removed. The next step is to improve the flow of blood using various compression techniques, such as compression bandages or stockings. Swelling caused by the ulcers in the feet and ankles (oedema) can also be controlled by compression bandages. Itchy skin around the ulcers can be improved using emollient cream or corticosteroid cream. Infected ulcers will be treated with antibiotics as well. ...

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    First consultation: £250
    Follow-up consultation: £200

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