Foam Sclerotherapy Call Today: 9:38pm 4th Sep 2010
Private Day Surgery Foam Sclerotherapy Varicose Vein Treatment

Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is a simple treatment that works by inflaming the vein, causing it to close.  A foam is injected into the varicose vein by your surgeon. The procedure is carried out using a local anaesthetic and is monitored using ultrasound imaging.  

Foam sclerotherapy differs from liquid sclerotherapy in that the liquid sclerosant is mixed with air or another gas to produce a foam.  Foam sclerotherapy is thought to be more effective than liquid sclerotherapy.

After the vein has been blocked with the foam, a compression bandage is put on the leg. More than one vein can be treated at a time. Further injections may be needed.


The Private Day Surgery Foam Sclerotherapy Treatment means:

  • no general anaesthetic, so no overnight stay
  • simple injection
  • proven clinical outcomes


Foam vs Liquid Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the practice of injecting a liquid into a diseased vein which causes the vein to close, relieving the patient of their varicose veins symptoms.

In varicose veins the liquid has the opportunity to mix with the blood as well as interacting with the vein wall.  There is a tendency for the blood to clot as soon as the liquid is injected.  This can result in 2 undesired side effects:

  • a clot may remeain in the vein preventing effective action of the Sclerotherapy on the vein wall.
  • the clot may break down over time but will leave a raised lump and, possibly a brown stain called a 'haemosiderin'


The advatange of foam sclerotherapy is that the foam pushed the blood out of the vein allowing the active agents work directly in contact with the vein wall. This means foam sclerotherapy is more effective in destroying the varicose vein and has far reduced risk of blood clots and brown staining.

TO REQUEST A CALL BACK PLEASE COMPLETE THE 'CONTACT US' FORM

How is the injection administered?

If the vien is close to the surface, then your Private Day Surgery surgeon can position the injection visually, perhaps using a magnifying lens.  For deeper veins the surgeon will use ultrasound imaging to locate the vein and to ensure the foam reaches all the areas it needs to.


How does the process work?

As soon as it is injected the foam will start to act on the vein wall.  The surgeon will apply a bandage to keep the vein walls compresssed together aiding the scarring process that will close the vein.

You will be advised to keep the bandage on for 12 - 24 hours and then wear a compression stocking, day and night, for about 2 weeks. You will be able to remove the compression stocking to wash or take a cool shower but it shouldn't be removed for any other reason.

 

How will my leg look when I remove the stocking?

There may be some marks which will disappear over a few months.

Occasionally people are left with some bumps which feel very tender and may, or may not, be visible.  These lumps are caused by blood seeping back into the vein and reacting with the foam Sclerotherapy agent, forming a clot.  As the clot breaks down, much as a bruise might, it becomes tender and can cause brown or blue stains on the surface.

Sometimes the skin will look inflamed becasue of trapped blood. The surgeon will advise you to take anti-inflammatories and arrange another visit to have the trapped blood released.  This is done with a small needle, and occasionally needs a second visit to the clinic.

TO REQUEST A CALL BACK PLEASE COMPLETE THE 'CONTACT US' FORM
 
Copyright © 2009-10 www.privatedaysurgery.co.uk, All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Sitemap