VenaSeal: Treatment for Varicose Veins and Vein Disease
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive treatment option for varicose veins and other vein diseases affecting the lower limbs. Some people with vein conditions like varicose veins may find it hard to enjoy activities or focus because of leg pain, swelling, heaviness and other discomfort. When non-surgical treatment options do not work to relieve your pain, it may be time to consider the VenaSeal closure system. Learning how this procedure works can help ease your worries about your treatment options and may help you manage your condition.
Understanding Varicose Veins and Vein Disease
Healthy veins have valves that ensure blood flows in one direction. A diseased vein valve cannot close properly, making blood reflux (flow backward) and pool. If left untreated, this condition may worsen over time and develop into chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a more serious form of venous disease. CVI symptoms in the legs or ankles may include:
- Cramping and swelling
- Discoloration or other skin changes
- Itching
- Pain or aching
- Restlessness
- Tiredness or heaviness
- Ulcers or open sores
- Varicose veins
Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms, especially if they are already affecting your daily activities. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, activity level and personal and family medical history. An imaging test such as a duplex ultrasound (DUS) may be used to examine blood flow in your legs’ blood vessels. Other tests may be performed to confirm whether you have varicose veins or other conditions.
Depending on your symptoms, existing conditions, overall health and other factors, your doctor may prescribe any of the following treatment options:
- Compression stockings
- Diseased vein removal
- Closing diseased vein through:
- Thermal energy – involves using heat to close the vein. The patient is required to wear compression stockings afterward.
- Nonthermal procedures, such as VenaSeal treatment, involve using a special adhesive to seal the vein. The patient does not have to wear compression stockings after.
What Is VenaSeal Treatment?
VenaSeal is an FDA-approved nonthermal procedure for sealing diseased veins affecting the lower limbs to redirect blood flow to nearby healthy veins. It only requires local anesthesia so that you will be awake during the procedure. VenaSeal can help relieve symptoms associated with venous reflux or CVI. The procedure may take up to 60 minutes and generally follows these steps:
- Your doctor will take an ultrasound image of your affected leg to help them assess and plan the procedure.
- Once they locate the diseased vein, the medical team will numb the skin near it using local anesthesia.
- Guided by an ultrasound, your doctor will puncture a catheter into your skin to reach the diseased vein. You may feel some pressure during this process.
- A specially formulated medical adhesive will be targeted in the diseased vein using the catheter.
- Mild external pressure will adhere the vein walls together.
- The catheter will be removed. A single adhesive bandage will be applied to the puncture site.
What To Expect After VenaSeal Procedure?
VenaSeal is an outpatient treatment that allows you to go home on the same day without an overnight hospital stay. After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area to rest. Many patients can return to their normal activities right after VenaSeal, but it is best to get advice from your doctor on when you can resume regular activity. Ask your doctor about VenaSeal aftercare. If needed, your doctor will recommend follow-up care. Bruising and mild pain are common after VenaSeal and can be resolved with pain medications.
Is VenaSeal Permanent?
VenaSeal is permanent. Over time, your body will create scar tissue around the adhesive to close the diseased vessel permanently.
Find a Vascular Surgeon
Vein disease like varicose veins is not just a cosmetic issue. It can also cause uncomfortable symptoms that may affect your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with one of our vascular surgeons to learn more about your treatment options.