Sclerotherapy is used for treating venous disease of the legs. The technique involves injectioning a scleroscent directly into the vein with a fine needle for surface veins or a larger caliber needle for larger deeper veins. The scleroscent is a liquid solution which causes an inflammatory reaction inside of the vein which seals the vein shut. Eventually the body will resorb this vein and it will disappear.
Two FDA Approved Solutions for Sclerotherapy
Two solutions currently approved by the FDA for sclerotherapy are sotradecol and polidocanol. They are structurally related mild medical detergents.
Both sotradecol and polidocanol can be altered from the liquid form into a foam. This is done by mixing it with room air or a physiologic gas (carbon dioxide) in a syringe by pumping it from one syringe into another.
Why Foam Sclerotherapy if more effective
The foamed solution is a more effective scleroscent because it is able to dislodge the blood from the veins rather than mixing with it and is also able to remain in contact with the vein wall longer allowing it to be more effective. This is especially useful in larger diameter and longer veins. It creates an inflammatory reaction inside the vein which seals it. Because of that, it is a very effective sclerotherapy treatment when combined with ultrasound in a technique called ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. This technique uses an ultrasound to visualize the larger refluxing veins beneath the skin to be treated. The vein can the be directing injected with the foamed scleroscent using a syringe. The foamed solution which is made up of micro bubbles is very easily visualized on ultrasound.
Minimizing Foam Sclerotherapy Complications
Complications of foam sclerotherapy include the possibility of skin necrosis, hyper pigmentation of the skin, phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis and visual complications. There has been a case report of a stroke following foam sclerotherapy. Skin complications usually do not occur when the foam scleroscent is properly injected into the vein. Complications of foam sclerotherapy can be minimized by using a more diluted concentration and a lower volume of scleroscent.
Hudson Valley, New York Foam Sclerotherapy
Learn more about your options for Foam Sclerotherapy, contact our Hudson Valley, New York office at 888-359-9462 today.
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About the Author
Arlen Fleisher, MD is a Diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology, the branch of medicine that deals with the veins. With nearly 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Fleisher gives his patients a depth of understanding that is difficult to match.