McKeown Medical
167 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4SQ
Foam Sclerotherapy: Why choose this for treating varicose veins?
Foam sclerotherapy is an advanced form of sclerotherapy used to treat larger varicose veins, particularly those that may not respond well to traditional liquid sclerotherapy.
Published by Dr Alex Vesey
Date posted — 17.09.24
What is foam sclerotherapy?
Foam sclerotherapy is an advanced form of sclerotherapy used to treat larger varicose veins, particularly those that may not respond well to traditional liquid sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a sclerosant solution, which is typically used to irritate and close off veins, is mixed with air to create a foam.
This foam is then injected into the affected varicose vein. The foam displaces blood within the vein, allowing the sclerosant to come into more direct contact with the vein walls, which enhances its effectiveness. The foam’s thicker consistency enables it to stay in the vein longer, providing a more controlled and thorough treatment, particularly for larger or more complex varicose veins.
What are the benefits of foam sclerotherapy?
The benefits of foam sclerotherapy include its minimally invasive nature. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically under local anaesthetic, and requires little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities soon after treatment.
Foam sclerotherapy is also highly customisable; the concentration of the foam and the volume injected can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of the patient, making it a versatile option for treating a variety of varicose veins. While multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results, foam sclerotherapy is generally well-tolerated and offers a safe and effective alternative to more invasive treatments.
Expert Video
Dr Alex Vesey is our expert consultant vascular surgeon who heads up our varicose vein team. Listen to him explain the foam sclerotherapy treatment.
Which types of veins is foam sclerotherapy best for?
Foam sclerotherapy is best suited to the smaller veins just below the surface of the skin. Usually, however, varicose veins are caused by diseased vessels deeper in the leg.
Whilst foam sclerotherapy can be used to treat these deeper veins, it is associated with much higher rates of complications, and so to treat the deep veins, we typically perform either Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or VenaSeal™ and reserve foam sclerotherapy for the more minor, superficial veins. For the best results, most patients will require a combination of RFA or VenaSeal™ to treat the deep veins with either foam sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy to treat the smaller, more superficial veins.
What does foam sclerotherapy involve?
Foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a specially prepared foam sclerosant directly into the varicose veins to close them off and reduce their appearance and symptoms.
The procedure begins with the preparation of the foam, which is created by mixing a liquid sclerosant with air. Once the foam is ready, it is injected into the targeted vein using a fine needle. The foam fills the vein, displacing the blood and making direct contact with the vein walls. This contact causes irritation and inflammation within the vein, leading to its collapse and eventual absorption by the body.
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic and typically takes around half an hour to perform, depending on the number and size of veins being treated. After the treatment, patients are usually advised to wear compression stockings to help the veins close properly and to aid in the healing process. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately, though they may need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.
How successful is foam sclerotherapy in treating varicose veins?
The success rate of foam sclerotherapy for treating varicose veins is generally high, with studies showing success rates ranging from 80% to 90%. This means that in the majority of cases, the treated veins successfully close off and are eventually absorbed by the body, leading to a significant reduction in the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins.
However, the success rate can vary depending on factors such as the size and severity of the varicose veins, the patient’s adherence to post-treatment care, such as wearing compression stockings and the patient’s own body’s response to the treatment. While foam sclerotherapy is highly effective, some patients may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and there is a possibility of recurrence over time, which might necessitate additional treatments.
What are the possible side effects of foam sclerotherapy?
Foam sclerotherapy, while generally safe, can have some potential side effects. Common side effects include mild pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days to weeks. Some patients may experience itchiness or skin discolouration around the treated veins as the body absorbs the collapsed veins. Transient inflammation or redness along the vein path can also occur.
Less common but more serious side effects include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in a deeper vein, which is a rare but significant risk. Allergic reactions to the sclerosant solution, though uncommon, may also occur. In very rare cases, ulceration or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) may develop, particularly in areas where veins were treated. To minimise risks, it is important to follow post-treatment care instructions, such as wearing compression stockings and avoiding prolonged standing or strenuous activities.
How do I know if foam sclerotherapy is the right treatment for my condition?
Determining if foam sclerotherapy is the right treatment for your condition involves several factors. First, a thorough evaluation by an expert vascular surgeon is essential.
Your surgeon will first ask you questions about your medical history, family history, and lifestyle before performing a physical examination. They will then use an ultrasound scan to identify the anatomy of your veins. It is only with all of this information available that they can recommend the best course of treatment for your particular case. In our practice, we offer the full range of varicose vein treatments – including conservative measures, endovascular treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or VenaSeal™, as well as – where appropriate – traditional surgery.
Every patient is unique, and our goal is to help match your health needs with the best treatment strategy for your particular condition. The first step is to fill in our online consultation form, and from there, our team will be able to arrange an initial consultation and ultrasound scan, and we can work together to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
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