Sclerotherapy has traditionally been used to treat smaller, superficial varicose veins easily seen on the surface of the skin. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy takes this “gold standard” in varicose vein treatment to the next level, by allowing the physician to address affected larger veins located deeper under the skin’s surface.
By using sound waves to locate affected veins deep within the legs, a sclerosing agent can be administered that causes the veins to seal shut and eventually disappear.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is performed in the physician’s office, using local anesthesia. Duplex ultrasound is used to locate the affected vein and guide the insertion of a very fine needle directly into the vein. Sclerosing agent is injected into the affected vein through this needle, which causes the vein walls to seal together so the vein eventually fades from view completely. The entire procedure may take under an hour to complete, depending on the number of veins to be treated in a single session.
Patients are advised to wear compression stockings for a number of days or weeks after treatment to promote healing and healthy blood flow. Regular activities can typically be resumed right away, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are discouraged for a week or two. Symptoms associated with varicose veins may be alleviated immediately after treatment, while veins may take a number of weeks to fade completely from view.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy has brought a whole new dimension to non-invasive vein treatment. To learn more about this innovative treatment, contact the Boston-based staff at Specialty Vein Care today.
