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Sclerotherapy
varicose treatment
What is varicose vein injection sclerotherapy?
Injection sclerotherapy is a treatment designed to destroy varicose veins by injecting a chemical agent into the faulty vein: the chemical agent is called ‘sclerosant’.
The sclerosing effect of this chemical agent occurs when in contact with the inner lining of the vein: therefore, it has to be injected into the varicose vein.
The sclerosing effect is brief and local: the sclerosant quickly dissolves into the circulation and its sclerosing effect rapidly wears off. The sclerosant is then eliminated by the kidney and the liver.
Nowadays, the two most commonly used sclerosing agents are: Lauromacrogol 400 (AETOXISCLEROL®) and Chrome Alun (SCLEREMO®).
Sclerosing agents are used in their liquid form to treat small varicose veins of less than 1 mm (reticular veins).
What is foam sclerotherapy?
A standard sclerosant, Lauromacrogol 400 (AETOXISCLEROL®) is mixed with air to create a foam: it is an emulsion.
The advantage of using a foam is to allow a better contact with the inner wall of the varicose vein upon injection. Therefore, the sclerosing effect is improved.
Foam sclerotherapy is indicated for the treatment of varicose veins as large as 6 mm. Beyond that size, the treatment might be less effective.
The technique of foam injection sclerotherapy. How is it performed?
The foam is prepared right before being injected, manually or using a device that delivers standardized foam.
An antiseptic is applied on the skin, and the varicose vein is punctured. If the vein is deep, ultrasound guidance will be used: it is called echosclerotherapy.
Then the needle is withdrawn, and we control the good result of the treatment by checking the vein spasm, meaning its flattening.
In practice:
You can leave the office right after the treatment, by car, and without any assistance.
The treatment is painless: no more pain than drawing blood.
There is no sick leave and you can resume your daily activities with no downtime.
This is an in-office procedure that only lasts a few minutes.
The results will be controlled by ultrasound a month after the initial procedure.
Side-effects that can occur immediately and a few days after:
Bruising where the injection took place
Muscle soreness during the day
Migraine or visual disturbances
Side-effects that can occur from the 8th day on:
Tenderness along the treated vein (relieved by the use of an anti-inflammatory cream and compression stockings).
Phlebitis: the pain along the treated vein will increase. Requires ultrasound examination to confirm the diagnosis, and treatment if needed.
Brown staining of the skin of the thigh or the leg over the treated vein: when the varicose vein is very superficial, its treatment can be responsible for a brownish discoloration of the skin, which will fade away within months.
The medical information on this site does not in any way replace the medical consultation which alone, makes it possible to establish a diagnosis and set up a protocol of care adapted to each individual case. — My-varicose-veins or "how to answer all my questions about varicose veins"