Innovative Vein Treatments: Lesson 1 on VenaSeal
Treating vein disease is an exciting reward not only patients but also providers who are better equipped today than ever before. There have been considerable innovations in the field of venous medicine over the past decade. . Among these vein treatments is Venaseal for varicose veins— an creative, catheter-based approach to curing vein disease through delivery of a safe medical adhesive into the diseased veins. This minimally-invasive technique has been a favorable addition to vein clinics due to its unique properties.
WHAT IS VENASEAL?
Venaseal fuses the walls of diseased veins through direct injection of a medical “glue” into the vein itself. The treated area is no different than what is typically targeted with endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy. The difference is how it is done through a patented catheter that is carefully tracked on ultrasound to treated the target vein without tumescence. In comparison to ablation, the treatment has been found to be equally safe and effective.
VenaSeal Benefits?
No need for tumescence anesthesia
Decreased risk of nerve injury (saphenous and sural vein)
No need to wear compression stockings after treatment
1 needle pinch only
Veins close to surface can be treated without concern for skin burns
How Is VenaSeal Done?
In the procedure room, the targeted vein is prepped initially in the same way as endovenous ablation. VenaSeal is to be performed under sterile conditions (and so this part will feel no different). Subsequently, the treatment area will be visualized by ultrasound and a site will be selected for catheter insertion. This area will be given an anesthetic to numb the skin and surrounding area while the catheter and sheath (IV line) are inserted into the vein using ultrasound guidance. The catheter will be positioned in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and some individual preferences of your vein doctor.
Once correctly positioned, the glue will be inserted into the vein as the catheter is withdrawn at regular intervals. Each time the doctor will pause to apply some external pressure on the vein in order to better fuse the vein walls together. You may feel sensations of pulling during this process, but it is unlikely to experience pain. After the last injection is completed, the catheter is removed, and the doctor will compress the site to stop any entry site bleeding and then cover it with a bandage. You are then free to go home without the need for compression stockings.
A return visit with the varicose vein doctor will be made within 1 week to to assess the treatment site and perform a venous ultrasound. Additional treatments can also be performed depending on the initial plan and potential need to target spider veins. For more information visit FAQ about Spider Veins.