Sclerotherapy involves injecting into the diseased veins a chemical that irritates the endothelium (the inner wall of the vein that comes into contact with the product), whose function is to seal, collapse or “dry up” the dilated venous channels, leading, over several sessions, to their reabsorption and gradual disappearance.
The great advantage of this treatment over other procedures is that microfoam sclerotherapy can be used for all types of varicose veins, as we can adapt to each individual situation, taking into account the characteristics of each patient.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy at Institut Vascular Barcelona
Definition and how it works
Sclerotherapy involves injecting into the diseased veins a chemical that irritates the endothelium (the inner wall of the vein that comes into contact with the product), whose function is to seal, collapse or “dry up” the dilated venous channels, leading, over several sessions, to their reabsorption and gradual disappearance.
Indications: when this treatment is used
The great advantage of this treatment over other procedures is that microfoam sclerotherapy can be used for all types of varicose veins, as we can adapt to each individual situation, taking into account the characteristics of each patient. We can choose a specific concentration of the product, decide on the volume and speed, and combine various complementary manoeuvres during the procedure that allow us to obtain different results. This treatment can also be applied to vascular malformations, which until now were practically inoperable. No other treatment or technique offers so many possibilities.
We have been performing this technique since 2009, before the Clinic even opened, and we are one of the few centres in Spain offering non-surgical treatment for varicose veins.
The importance of what is injected
It is important to clarify that sclerotherapy is the generic name for a treatment based on injecting a sclerosing agent into a vein, but not all sclerotherapy, nor all foams, are the same. As in other fields, it is crucial to know which product is applied inside the veins and how. At RIVB we use the VARIXIO device, developed over more than 6 years by Dr. Enric Roche himself, to prepare the microfoam to be injected into the body in an automated, standardised way. The gas used by VARIXIO is sterile, unlike the gases used in manual methods, and physiological gases (a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide) can even be used to minimise any risk. VARIXIO has now revolutionised phlebology and sclerotherapy, as it offers the safest treatment available by guaranteeing standardisation, sterility and maximum homogeneity of the foam to be injected. The device is already marketed in more than 42 countries, and over 1,000 clinics worldwide have adopted this technology.
The treatment step by step: how it is carried out
For the treatment to be effective and long-lasting, it must be carried out over several sessions. The total number of sessions will depend on each case. It is important to keep up regular check-ups once the visible varicose veins have disappeared, as there may sometimes be non-visible veins that could eventually become dilated. No fasting or special preparation is required before starting treatment. Patients taking antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Clopidogrel or similar) or anticoagulants (Sintrom) do not need to stop their medication.
1. Medical consultation.
All treatment must be preceded by a medical consultation, during which the patient's history is recorded in their medical records along with all other relevant information.
2. Patient examination.
A thorough assessment based on a physical examination and a Doppler ultrasound scan must be carried out. During this process, the patient is told what their situation is and which vein or veins are not working properly, so that the appropriate treatment can then be planned.
3. Starting the sessions.
If the patient needs treatment, a further appointment is made to begin the sclerotherapy sessions. Each session requires a new ultrasound examination to plan the strategy to be followed that day.
4. Application of the sclerosing foam.
The foam is injected through a single, virtually painless puncture. The larger the varicose veins, the fewer needle pricks are needed. While performing the puncture, we monitor the movement of the foam on a screen, which allows us to direct it wherever it is needed.
In the case of spider veins or reticular veins, as these are finer veins, we need to make several punctures with fine-gauge needles, for which an anaesthetic spray is sometimes used to reduce discomfort.
5. Fitting the compression stocking.
At the end of each session, a compression stocking is fitted, which you will need to wear for the following weeks; depending on the case, it may need to be worn for a longer or shorter period. Wearing the stocking is an important factor in achieving good results.
6. End of the session
After the procedure, you can lead a completely normal life, except for strenuous sport.
