
Meet your specialist team in Dunedin
Our vision for you
- The Dunedin-based team at Vein Consultancy is dedicated to providing a uniquely specialised and comprehensive assessment, accurate diagnosis and best-practice treatments for patients with refluxing superficial venous disease in the lower limbs.
- Our goal is to optimally treat the current venous issues to primarily alleviate the symptoms, whilst usually also improving cosmetic appearances.
- Best results are obtained through individually tailored treatment plans, which often use a combination of therapies.


- Our process of managing chronic venous insufficiency of your lower limbs involves the following pathway:
- Obligation-free vein assessment.
- Detailed ultrasound mapping.
- Initial treatment.
- Follow-up consultations for 12 months after the initial treatment.
- Being based locally in Dunedin means that we are available at short notice to assess you if you encounter issues during your treatment period of 12 months.
Dr Sarah Lesche, ChM Vascular and Endovascular Surgery FEBVS
Vascular Surgeon
Dr Sarah Lesche is the Clinical Director of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Dunedin Public Hospital, where she works as a Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, offering a broad range of treatment options for patients with vascular conditions. She also holds a position as a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago and is involved in teaching medical students as well as research activities within the Department of Surgical Sciences.
After spending most of her training years as a Vascular Surgeon in Germany, Sarah moved to New Zealand permanently in 2016. She has obtained a Master’s degree in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery from the University of Edinburgh, and is registered as a Specialist in Vascular Surgery with The Medical Council of New Zealand, as well as in Germany/Europe.
With the team at Vein Consultancy, Sarah focuses on assessment and treatment for patients with varicose veins. Her scope of practice allows her to also see patients with more complex vascular problems.
When not at work, Sarah enjoys spending time in the outdoors getting muddy, attending her overgrown garden, or travelling the world.

Dr Peter Abcarian, MD, ABR, Educational Affiliate RANZCR
Interventional Radiologist
Dr Peter Abcarian hails from the US where he obtained his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire followed by an internal medicine internship at St Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center in San Francisco. He completed his training as a diagnostic and interventional radiologist at UC San Francisco before joining a hospital based practice in Honolulu, Hawaii where he honed his skills over the next 3 decades, performing a mix of diagnostic radiology and imaging-guided surgical procedures. He relocated to Dunedin during the pandemic and is passionate about treating and helping people with venous disorders.

Natalie Davis, RN
Vein Nurse
Natalie Davis gained her registered nursing qualification in 2005. She has worked as a nurse in many departments, developing a special interest in the mental health area over the years. Since 2018, she has assisted in treating chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, including providing microsclerotherapy treatment. Her kind and easy-going manner allows her to put patients at ease. She obtains and provides vital information at the obligation-free consultations. Her mapping records are accurate. Her skills in assisting with the treatment procedures make her an invaluable member of the team.

Gillian Edgar, NDMDI, DMU
Vein Sonographer
Gillian Edgar qualified as a radiographer in 1990 and then completed her sonography training in 1999. In 2016, she added the specialty of venous imaging of the lower limbs to her accredited sonography skills. She offers proficient technical and specialised skills in using ultrasound equipment for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Gillian has an eye for detail, an ability to communicate effectively with patients, and follows industry standards and best practices. She is enthusiastic and eager to collaborate with her colleagues to achieve positive results for patients with symptoms from refluxing superficial veins.