What is VenaSeal?
VenaSeal™ is a vein closure system that is commonly used to resolve the symptoms of venous reflux disease in the lower extremities. Venous reflux disease describes the accumulation of blood in certain parts of veins in which valves are not sufficiently pushing blood upward toward the heart. The VenaSeal procedure is currently the only non-sclerosant, non-tumescent, and non-thermal modality approved by the FDA for the treatment of varicose veins. It gets its name from the use of a medical adhesive to close off affected veins so blood can flow through healthier veins nearby.
The VenaSeal procedure is conducted in the office. During treatment, the provider uses ultrasound guidance to identify areas of venous insufficiency. Observing the diseased vein on a screen, the doctor can accurately insert a small catheter into the vein just beneath the skin. The external aspect of the catheter is attached to a dispensing gun that delivers medical adhesive into the vein. As the adhesive is dispensed, slight compression is applied. This causes the inner walls of the vein to stick together, sealing the vessel so blood is forced to redirect. Once the affected length of the vein has been sealed, a small bandage is placed onto the area where the catheter has been inserted. The patient may resume normal activities immediately without the need for ongoing compression.
How does VenaSeal treatment work?
As a medical adhesive, VenaSeal works by causing the inner walls of the treated vein to become sticky. When the doctor presses on the skin over the vein, the walls stick together, causing the vein to close. Without a passage through the dysfunctional vein, blood circulates elsewhere. Over time, the vein is dismantled and absorbed. Its appearance then fades.
Who is a candidate for VenaSeal treatment?
Most people who want to get rid of varicose veins can be good candidates for VenaSeal. The procedure is ideal for veins that are two or more centimeters in diameter, as well as veins that are located in deeper layers of tissue. The use of ultrasound imaging helps us locate affected veins and target them with a high degree of accuracy.
What are the benefits of VenaSeal treatment?
Compared to thermal energy vein treatments, VenaSeal offers significant benefits such as:
- A single insertion of a needle. If anesthetic is used, it is applied to the skin in the form of a cream or ointment. The only needle inserted is the tiny catheter that delivers the medical adhesive into the vein.
- Minimal discomfort, if any. Because there is no heating of tissues, VenaSeal treatment does not cause pain or burning that is common to other vein treatments.
- Fast recovery. Patients are able to resume all normal activities the day after treatment.
- No compression. The strong adhesive inserted into the vein achieves closure all on its own without the need for prolonged compression using special garments.
What is recovery like after VenaSeal treatment?
Patients need not arrange time off work or other activities when they choose VenaSeal. Walking and normal light activities can be resumed immediately.
Is the VenaSeal treatment painful?
VenaSeal is a comfortable treatment that does not have the same anesthesia requirements as thermal energy vein treatments. Other than one small needle-prick as the catheter is inserted, patients do not experience discomfort.
Dr. Tonnessen and the team at the Vein Institute of Hunterdon are proud to provide VenaSeal treatment to patients in the Clinton and Bridgewater areas of New Jersey. Contact us at (908) 788-0066 to schedule your consultation.