Varicose veins can cause discomfort and pain. Perhaps you’re already experiencing the itching, throbbing, and burning associated with problematic veins. Not so long ago, treatment for varicose veins involved surgical vein stripping but thankfully, advances in technology mean patients can now benefit from a variety of non-surgical treatments.
Over the last couple of decades, thermal ablation in the form of radiofrequency or lasers has been the ‘go-to’ less-invasive alternative to surgery. Vein ablation uses targeted heat to close a problematic vein and eliminate it. But nowadays there is another option – have your troublesome varicose veins glued shut with an innovative treatment known as VenaSeal.
But first of all, let’s start with what causes varicose veins in the first place.
Blood is directed through your veins to the heart using a one-way valve. If the valve fails to close properly it enables blood to flow back into the vein in a condition called venous insufficiency. In a nutshell, your uncomfortable bulging veins are caused by leaky valves. Unfortunately, they can’t heal on their own and can worsen over time. As they get bigger and twist, they can cause complications such as skin ulcers, pain, and blood clots.
Thermal ablation is more comfortable and less invasive than undergoing surgical vein stripping. During the procedure, ultrasound technology is used to guide a small catheter into a diseased vein, and laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to injure and collapse the vein. Patients are kept comfortable during the procedure with twilight sedation. Depending on the length of the vein, multiple injections may be necessary. As the body heals from the heat exposure, the vein is eventually replaced with connective tissue and the collapsed vein is absorbed.
While a patient is able to walk out of the treatment and go back to work immediately, it can take a few days to recover. Often compression stockings or socks are worn following treatment to help the body heal.
Venaseal is a safe and alternative treatment to surgery and thermal ablation. This innovative closure system uses a safe non-toxic mouldable medical ‘glue’ to close varicose veins. A pre-determined amount of adhesive is injected into the diseased vein through a single-entry point using a small catheter and with no need for you to endure multiple injections. Some of the advantages of VenaSeal include:
No need to wear compression stockings while your veins heal
Depending on the length of your vein, VenaSeal closure treatment takes between 30 to 60 minutes. During the treatment, ultrasound technology is used to determine the best place to close the vein. The site is numbed with a single injection per vein. A small catheter delivers the specified amount of adhesive to the vein being treated and temporary pressure is applied to help seal the vein.
VenaSeal is often referred to as a medical ‘superglue’ because it sets very quickly. Over the next few months, the treated vein is absorbed by your body and the blood flow is directed to a nearby healthy vein. You can rest assured that vein treatment does not harm your circulation.
You shouldn’t have to put up with troublesome varicose veins. Although VenaSeal may not be the right treatment for everyone, it could be the best varicose vein treatment for you.
Why not contact the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT) to learn more about VenaSeal and alternative treatments. Dr. Akinwande will be happy to explain each therapy and discuss what’s right for you. Contact MINT today to schedule your consultation at one of our 5 clinics, including the latest addition in Chicago, IL.
