Varithena™ Sclerotherapy: The Next Step In Varicose Vein Treatment

Today’s Treatments

Though they may not realize it, varicose vein patients today have more and better options than they did in the past. The trends in treatment for this and related issues have been to become less-invasive and more localized on the specific problem areas. Where a more open surgery, vein stripping, was once the standard approach to vascular problems, newer, less-disruptive methods are increasingly being employed.

Among these is sclerotherapy: the use of a specialized foam to break down problematic veins. Relying on injection instead of surgery, this approach has certainly helped many people get effective relief. However, the advancements don’t end there; a recent development in varicose veins treatment is Varithena™ Sclerotherapy, and it promises to make outcomes even better.

So how does this newer approach work? What makes it different than other types of sclerotherapy? Let’s take a look.

Breaking Down The Bad

The main idea behind all types of sclerotherapy is to essentially re-route blood from swollen and diseased veins to healthier pathways. This is done by applying a specialized foam that essentially breaks down the walls of diseased veins. As the old pathways are sealed off, you get healthier circulation, and the old material is reincorporated into the body.

The nice thing about this class of treatment is that it’s well-tolerated; there’s only the injection of the foam material to worry about. In addition, very few and only very mild complications have been reported. [1] After sclerotherapy, patients may need to wear compression stockings to aid in healing, with results visible anywhere between three weeks and three months. Naturally, recovery is swifter with these procedures than they would be with surgery.

Refining The Process

So what makes Varithena™ Sclerotherapy different from other types? What makes it a step forward? In standard approaches, the doctors “activate” the foam by exposing the chemicals to air and agitating it just prior to the procedure. The problem is that this can lead to inconsistent formulations, hindering efficacy. [1] The Varithena™ employs a standardized device to prepare the mixture, thus standardizing the foam. This leads to more consistent results.

While there’s more research to be done in comparing this approach with more traditional ones, there’s no denying that this newer type of sclerotherapy has already helped countless people relieve the pain, swelling, itching, and heaviness in the legs associated with varicose veins. Furthermore, early reports are that it may minimize adverse complications or the need for further therapy. [1]

Verithena™ Sclerotherapy: Start To Finish

The doctor will first need to ensure proper diagnosis, so they will use imaging and other diagnostic techniques to fully assess the problem area. One or more injections may end up being necessary, depending on the scope of the problem. Make sure you’re forthcoming about your medical history, as the specialist will need to be mindful of potential bad interactions.

The procedure itself takes no more than an hour. The site of injection (or injections) may be numbed to ease any pain or discomfort while the sclerotherapy is underway. Following administration, the leg will be taped up, and the patient will often be advised to wear compression stockings.

One of the great things about Verithena™ Sclerotherapy is that patients are able to resume normal activities the same day as treatment. That said, restrictions on activity are necessary; typically, patients will need to wait at least a week before resuming more intense exercise. Special bandages are worn for the two days after the procedure, and compression stockings worn for at least two weeks.

As noted, though, this is a highly successful approach, with most very happy with results.

Better Than Ever

In representing the next step in sclerotherapy, Verithena™ will continue to improve the lives of varicose and spider veins sufferers. There’s no longer a need to suffer in silence; this and other methods are getting better and better at taking on vein issues in efficient and highly-effective ways. As bright as the future looks in vascular medicine, with procedures like Verithena™ sclerotherapy, today’s outcomes are already very strong. If you suffer from vein problems, it’s worth talking to your doctor about this approach.

 

If you’d like to learn more about sclerotherapy and other vein treatments, the team at Hamilton Vein Center is ready to help. The experts at these Texas-based outpatient clinics pride themselves in offering nothing but the latest and best in treatment. Learn more about what they do by calling their Houston office at (281) 565-0033, Austin’s clinic at (512) 551-1403, or San Antonio at (210) 504-4304 today!

 

References

1. Star P, et al. 2018. “Novel Developments In Foam Sclerotherapy: Focus On Varithena® (Polidocanol Endovenous Microfoam) In The Management Of Varicose Veins. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed August 16 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28166