If you're ready to get rid of varicose veins (or thinking about it), you're probably embarrassed by their appearance or need relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
But there’s another reason to treat these unsightly veins: Over time, the condition responsible for varicose veins can also cause complications like dangerous leg ulcers.
Our Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care team specializes in several safe and effective varicose vein treatments, including the VenaSeal™ closure system. Here, our vein experts explain how VenaSeal works.
Before recommending a varicose vein treatment, we use painless ultrasound to get detailed images of your leg veins. Ultrasound shows the damaged valves and the extent of the diseased veins.
Varicose veins develop when damaged valves allow blood to flow in the wrong direction (down your leg), a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI lets blood accumulate, resulting in bulging, enlarged varicose veins.
VenaSeal is just as effective and safer than heat-based treatments like radiofrequency (RF) ablation. However, we recommend the best treatment based on variables like the size of the engorged veins, disease severity, and your preferences.
Varicose veins are treated by closing the vein. For example, we can collapse and close the vein by injecting medication (sclerotherapy) or applying heat (RF ablation).
VenaSeal is different because it seals the vein using a medical adhesive. Here’s how it works:
After injecting a local anesthetic, we make a tiny cut and insert the specialized VenaSeal catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube that fits inside the veins). Using ultrasound to see the catheter, we guide it through the vein until we reach the end of the diseased area.
VenaSeal treats one section of the vein at a time. We release a few drops of adhesive as we slowly withdraw the catheter by about 1-2 inches.
Then, we press down on your leg above the treated segment, gently compressing the vein for a short time. The pressure ensures the adhesive bonds with the walls and closes the vein.
We repeat the process until we treat the entire varicose vein. After removing the catheter from the vein, we place a bandage over the opening (no stitches needed).
The adhesive closes the vein, eliminating damaged valves and preventing blood from flowing through the vessel. As a result, the vein shrinks, and visible varicose veins disappear.
The adhesive is soft and flexible, so you can’t feel it. Eventually, scar tissue encapsulates the vein, permanently closing it.
What happens to blood flow? Your body naturally reroutes blood through a backup (collateral) blood vessel system. Circulation is fully restored, and the damaged valves are permanently eliminated, so you don’t need to worry about future complications.
Some people have minor bruising or slight discomfort at the insertion site. These side effects quickly improve.
You can return to most activities as soon as you leave the office. However, we may ask you to avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for a short time. We will give you detailed self-care instructions before you leave the office.
Compared to other varicose vein treatments, VenaSeal offers the following benefits:
VenaSeal produces immediate and long-lasting results because the vein is permanently sealed.
Call the nearest Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care office today to learn more about VenaSeal and varicose vein treatments. We’re located in Hobart, LaPorte, Munster, Valparaiso, and Merrillville, Indiana. You can also complete our online form to request an appointment.
