Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for small varicose and spider veins. A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein. The vein becomes irritated, collapses and is gradually absorbed by the body. It is very common for the vein to appear darker and more visible immediately after the injection session. Compression hose-Prescription-strength compression stockings will enhance the results of treatment and reduce potential side effects. This process causes a gradual fading of the treated vessel over a period of several weeks to several months. The legs, ankles, feet, breast and hand small varicose veins and spider veins are usual treatment locations.

These underlying reticular veins often cannot be seen by the naked eye and therefore a laser beam, resulting in inadequate results with laser. By the end of the treatment program, the veins are not visible on the skin surface. Sclerotherapy is most effective on smaller surface veins, less than 1-2mm in diameter.

• Click here to read an in-depth article on Sclerotherapy authored by Dr. Dietzek

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

To ensure precision, sclerotherapy is performed with the aid of ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound is a primary diagnostic and visualization tool because of its convenience, safety and effectiveness. Ultrasound produces images of internal structures through the use of high-frequency sound waves, whose echoes are used to create moving and still images. This visualization allows the doctor to target the location and precise nature of the problem area.

The ultrasound guided sclerotherapy procedure begins with the patient lying down on the examination table as a water-based gel is applied to the area on their body that will be observed. This gel allows consistent contact between the body and the transducer, free of any air pockets that could get in the way. The transducer is kept firmly against the skin and is moved back and forth across the area to allow for the most detailed observation possible. The ultrasound is instrumental in locating the diseased portion of the vein in order to guide the doctor in exactly where to place the needle as well as in determining the number of injections that will be necessary.

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Once the treatment site has been identified by ultrasound, the affected veins are injected with a sclerosant solution, which causes the veins to eventually collapse and be absorbed into the bloodstream. This safe procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis in the doctor’s office and takes less than an hour to complete. Anesthesia is not needed for sclerotherapy. After the sclerotherapy procedure, cotton balls and compression tape are applied to the injection site. Patients usually report only a mild burning sensation during the treatment.