Advantage of Ultrasound Guided Sclerofoam to Treat Spider Veins

Spider veins are a condition that affects patients in Suffern, New York and in other parts of the country. The condition is not considered a medical problem, although many find it troubling because of the embarrassment and self-consciousness that it so often causes. Ultrasound guided sclerofoam is a procedure that works to irritate the vein wall, causing the problem vein to collapse, shrink and disappear. The procedure is also effective in treating small varicose veins, although patients with large varicose veins should seek other treatment options.

Those suffering from medium sized or large varicose veins should discuss other treatment options such as VNUS and endovenous laser ablation with a vein specialist. These treatments have been used to successfully relief the condition and are minimally invasive alternatives to surgical stripping procedures. Once the condition has been diagnosed as spider veins or small varicose veins, ultrasound guided sclerofoam may begin.

Before treatment, patients must discuss their candidacy with a vein specialist to determine if they are a candidate for treatment. Most individuals with spider veins or small varicose veins are considered candidates for ultrasound guided sclerofoam, although women who are pregnant should not undergo this procedure. A vein specialist will have further information regarding the candidacy for this procedure, as patients with certain blood or other conditions may not be considered candidates.

Sclerotherapy procedures utilize a chemical sclerant that is injected into problem veins. The sclerant works to irritate the vessel wall, causing the vein to collapse. Blood flow is then carried out through other veins and the cosmetic appearance of the condition disappears. Ultrasound technology is used to track the chemical sclerant and to confirm the correct placement of the injections. One injection is required for every inch of vein being treated in most cases.

Ultrasound guided sclerofoam differs from other treatments in that it uses a foam formulation instead of the liquid formulation used in many sclerotherapy procedures. The foam formulation is more effective in displacing blood in the veins, providing more direct contact with the vessel wall. The foam formulation is also more easily visible on ultrasound.

Only a topical anesthetic is used before treatment. No general anesthetic is required, meaning that recovery is much quicker and less of a hassle than procedures requiring general anesthesia and an overnight stay in the hospital. Moreover, patients are usually able to resume their normal activities or return to work immediately following this procedure. Some bruising, itching and redness around the injection site may be present, although these side effects are not considered serious in most cases.

There is a small risk of microembolisms associated with ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. These are tiny blood clots in the treatment area and should be discussed with a vein specialist in greater detail. Those interested in this procedure are encouraged to seek consultation with a qualified specialist in the Suffern area to discuss the procedure in greater detail.

Learn more about ultrasound guided sclerofoam in Suffern, New York.