The Vein Clinic of Dallas
VenaSeal
Approved by the FDA in 2015, the most recent innovation in the treatment of vein disease is the use of a special medical grade adhesive known as cyanoacrylate. This cutting-edge procedure immediately and permanently closes off damaged veins, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins and providing symptom relief.
Similar to other treatment options, VenaSeal has high success rates, short recovery times and minimal discomfort for patients.
How does VenaSeal ablation work?
Like most modern vein procedures, the goal of VenaSeal is to seal the varicose vein shut. It works by delivering a small, precise amount of medical adhesive to the diseased vein, permanently sealing it off. After the vein seals, the body naturally reroutes the blood through other healthy veins, improving circulation and resolving symptoms. This process is virtually painless and the sealed vein is gradually absorbed by the body, disappearing over time.
VenaSeal is very soft and elastic, so undetectable after administration. It also has an antimicrobial effect against certain organisms and has been shown to have no adverse long term effects.
How is VenaSeal ablation performed?
We begin with ultrasound imaging of the abnormal varicose vein to accurately trace its pathway, determine the exact access site for the ablation catheter and to mark the required position of the catheter tip.
Your leg is sterilized and local anesthetic is applied to the skin access site. Using ultrasound guidance, the small treatment catheter is advanced into the abnormal vein through a 1-2 mm skin incision, commonly near the ankle or lower leg. This tiny incision is painless, does not require a stitch, and leaves virtually no scar.
Once the catheter is in the appropriate treatment position, small amounts of medical adhesive are distributed as the catheter is pulled through the length of the vein, closing it permanently. Unlike heat generating ablation procedures, administration of protective tumescent anesthesia surrounding the vein is not required.
The procedure is virtually painless and lasts under an hour. During the entire procedure, patients typically rest comfortably, or listen to music.
What are the advantages of VenaSeal ablation?
- Very high success rate – 94.6% closure rate at 5 years
- Virtually painless requiring only minimal local anesthetic. No general anesthesia.
- Minimally invasive with almost immediate return to normal activities.
- Walk in-walk out office-based procedure lasting under an hour
- 1-2 mm incision requiring no stitches and virtually scar free.
- No compression stockings necessary post-procedure – although they may be recommended in certain cases.
- Significantly decreased need for adjunctive procedures such as sclerotherapy
How effective is VenaSeal ablation?
Very effective! Published clinical studies demonstrate approximately 98% initial success rate with a virtually pain free treatment process, far fewer complications and extremely quick recovery period when compared to surgical vein stripping. Approximately 94.6% vein closure rate demonstrated at 5 years.
Importance of Ultrasound during treatment
Ultrasound imaging is an integral part of the procedure. It essentially creates a map of your vein network and helps guide the ablation catheter through the vein. Since Dr. Poonawala is a vascular interventional radiologist, he has extensive training and years of experience in ultrasound imaging and image-guided procedures. This means he is an expert at guiding the ablation catheter to the exact location effortlessly, ensuring precise treatment and minimizing complications.
Additional Information - VenaSeal
No. Although varicose veins carry blood, they are no longer effective in returning blood back to the heart and are the root cause of the troublesome symptoms. After treatment, the blood that used to flow through the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg, improving circulation and resolving symptoms.
The entire procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. If you need multiple veins treated in both legs, you may need a number of separate treatments over a period of 3-4 weeks.
VenaSeal ablation is so minimally invasive that most patients return to their usual daily activities right away. Unlike the other types of vein treatments, compression therapy is not required after the procedure although may be encouraged to maximize results and minimize side effects. Mild exercise such as walking will be required to ensure good blood flow in your legs and decrease discomfort.
- You do not need to stop your medications prior to treatment, unless otherwise advised during your consultation.
- Fasting is not required. If your procedure is scheduled for the morning, be sure to eat breakfast. However, try to avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda.
- Do not shave your legs immediately prior to your treatment.
- Wear loose clothing to the procedure appointment. Your leg will be wrapped in dressing material after the procedure.
- Our patient care specialists will go over the post treatment instructions in detail and provide you with a copy to take home.
- You may resume normal activities but avoid standing still for long periods of time. Many of our patients even return to work after the procedure.
- You will need to walk a minimum of 30 minutes each day for at least 3-4 weeks after the procedure. This is crucial to obtain the best results, avoid complications and make your leg feel more comfortable.
- You may continue your normal exercise routine after 48-72 hours. Walking is highly encouraged.
- No long distance travel > 5 hours for the first 3 weeks. If this is unavoidable, please let us know.
- A followup ultrasound evaluation of the treated vein will be performed 3-5 days after the procedure. This is to ensure treatment success and to exclude the very low chance of deep vein thrombosis.
- We believe in treating patients like family. You will have Dr. Poonawala’s after hours number should you have any questions or concerns.
The common side effects which are a normal response to the treatment, are harmless and transient. They are expected and should not be a cause for concern although they should be reported on follow up.
- Mild discomfort along the treated vein length. This is typically worse in the initial 1-2 days post treatment, with gradual decrease and resolution thereafter. Some also describe a ‘pulling’ sensation along the treated vein. Discomfort should be managed with a combination of light walking, rest with leg elevation, compression stocking wear and anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
- Phlebitis or inflammation may occur along the treated vein length – a result of the body’s natural inflammatory response to the procedure. This is also managed with anti-inflammatories and compression stockings.
VenaSeal ablation has been proven to be remarkably safe and well tolerated in a number of clinical studies, although complications can occur even with the best possible technique and attention to detail.
Allergic reactions – Allergic reactions to the local anaesthetic or VenaSeal adhesive are exceedingly rare although are possible. Risk stratification is performed at the initial consultation to help prevent this.
Deep Vein Thrombosis – Blood clots in the deep veins of the leg following VenaSeal ablation is rare. The necessary daily walking regimen is preventative. The deep veins are carefully assessed with ultrasound prior to the procedure and again at the follow-up appointment.
Infection – VenaSeal ablation is a sterile procedure. Meticulous care is taken to maintain a sterile field during treatment. If you develop significant redness around the treated area, pain, swelling and/or fever, you should contact us.
