Varicose vein treatments have evolved considerably since the early days of surgical stripping, which left patients in pain and out of commission for an extended period of time. Today’s procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis and patients are often able to return to their activities as soon as their procedure is over. As the field of vein treatments continues to widen, non-thermal, non-tumescent treatment is becoming the popular choice for patients that want to further reduce their risks for side effects during and after their procedure.
Explaining Thermal Vein Treatments
Thermal vein treatments are those that use heat to coagulate veins from the inside out, causing them to seal closed. The treated vein is reabsorbed by the body, while blood is rerouted to nearby veins, maintaining healthy blood flow. The most common types of thermal vein treatments today are endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency treatments known as Venefit. Both of these procedures are considered safe and effective in eliminating varicose veins.
Drawbacks of Thermal Vein Treatment
Despite their safety and efficacy, thermal vein treatments do have some risks associated with them. The most common risk is damage to skin and surrounding tissue, due to the heat penetration of the device. Patients are also typically instructed to avoid sun exposure for a number of days after treatment to avoid complications associated with UV rays.
Another drawback to these procedures is the multiple needle punctures that are required to provide access to the vein. A tumescent solution is delivered into the vein that contains lidocaine, a numbing medication designed to make the procedure more comfortable. However, the multiple needle pokes needed to administer the tumescent solution can be almost as unpleasant as the procedure itself.
Non-Thermal, Non-Tumescent Treatment Options
While EVLT and Venefit both continue to be used regularly to treat varicose veins, other treatments are getting introduced that eliminate the thermal factor. ClariVein and VenaSeal are two non-thermal, non-tumescent treatments that are gaining popularity. These procedures provide equally effective results as EVLT and Venefit, but without the discomfort of the needle punctures and the risks commonly associated with thermal procedures.
ClariVein uses a combination of sclerotherapy and mechanical agitation to close larger varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is an effective injectable treatment for visible veins, but tends to work best on smaller, superficial veins. By adding device rotation to the procedure, the sclerosing agent used to seal veins closed can better cover the lining of larger veins and allow for more thorough elimination of them.
VenaSeal is a medical-grade glue that is delivered into the varicose vein to seal it closed. This procedure can be performed in a similar fashion to regular sclerotherapy, but the adhesive is more effective in sealing larger veins closed. This procedure features fewer risks and patients do not have to wear compression stockings afterward to reap the best results.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Although new vein procedures hold much promise in enhancing the treatment experience for patients, the right vein treatment for you will depend on a number of factors. At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, Dr. Draughn is an expert in vein care and treatments and can help you determine the best treatment option for your specific needs. Rest assured that if EVLT or Venefit is appropriate for you, Dr. Draughn’s experience with both of these treatments will ensure your procedure is as safe and effective as possible.
Don’t suffer with painful veins. With many excellent treatments to choose from, you can bid farewell to visible vessels with minimal discomfort and downtime. To learn more, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas today at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245.