Venaseal for Varicose Veins is the newest treatment to modernize painful leg veins. Since 2001, with the FDA approval of the endovenous techniques, there have only been two main options available for the treatment of vein reflux. Both of these options have used heat or thermal ablation to close off a portion of the vein that has poorly functioning vein valves. These two treatments are laser vein ablation and radiofrequency vein ablation. Now we can offer Venaseal for varicose veins. These procedures are covered by most insurances, are performed in an office setting and take approximately thirty minutes to perform. The procedures are safe and there are little risks with low complication rates.
Venaseal for varicose veins offers a more comfortable procedure than laser or radiofrequency. During laser and radiofrequency, a local anesthetic must be used along the course of the vein to be treated. This is performed by injecting a solution into the leg along the vein so that the patient does not feel the heat of the treatment. With the local anesthesia, there is no pain. This part of the procedure takes time and can be slightly uncomfortable for the patient. Another benefit with Venaseal for varicose veins is that there is minimal bruising as compared to laser. This is likely due to the delivery of the local anesthetic but can be uncomfortable for the patient until the bruising heals. Finally, compression stocking therapy is indicated for a minimum of five days post thermal or heat treatments but it is not necessary with Venaseal for varicose veins.
Over the past couple of years, the use of a medical adhesive called Venaseal for varicose veins has become an accepted standard of care for the treatment of vein reflux. This procedure has been welcomed by patients with positive outcomes and feedback due to the comfort and ease of the procedure.
During the Venaseal procedure, the vein is encountered and a sheath is placed into the vein, similar to the traditional ablation techniques. Once the sheath is in position, a “gun” is used to move the adhesive along the sheath and into the vein. The pressure is held so that the vein walls can close and held for thirty seconds. Once this is performed the patient does not have to wear compression stockings and there is much less discomfort and bruising. One other benefit of the procedure is that more of a vein segment can be treated below the knee as the risk of nerve injury is not a concern with the Venaseal procedure. The Venaseal procedure is quick, low risk, comfortable for the patient with minimal post-procedure side effects, and without the need for post-procedure compression.
If you have varicose veins, pain with tired, aching and heaviness and swelling, Venaseal for varicose veins might be for you. Call our office to schedule a consultation.