Varicose veins develop when an abnormality inside the vein prevents blood from returning to the heart efficiently. Over time, the vein expands and becomes visible on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are treated by closing off the damaged vein, allowing blood to flow through surrounding healthy veins. VenaSeal™ is an advanced treatment for varicose veins.
The VenaSeal™ system works by applying a special medical adhesive inside the vein that causes the vein walls to stick together. Your body naturally routes blood to surrounding tissues, and the treated vein is slowly absorbed by your body. Benefits of the VenaSeal™ procedure are:
Enhanced patient comfort compared to other treatments for varicose veins
Short recovery time
Compression stockings are optional after the procedure
Tumescent anesthesia is not required
Outpatient procedure
No post-treatment discomfort
VenaSeal™ is ideal for treating varicose veins. Dr. Madan discusses your treatment options during the consultation. If VenaSeal™ is right for you, he explains how the procedure is performed and what to expect after the procedure.
To start the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to the area. No tumescent anesthesia is required. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein to access the interior, and this feels similar to a minor stick with a needle. As the catheter is slowly pulled through the vein, medical adhesive is deposited to cause the vein walls to stick together. A special device is used to apply pressure and seal the vein, and the catheter is removed from the vein. The only sensation that you feel during the procedure is the small amount of pressure that is used to seal the vein.
The small incision for the VenaSeal™ does not require sutures. A bandage is applied to keep the incision clean and promote healing. You will rest at home for the first 24 hours after your VenaSeal™ procedure, after which you can resume your normal activities. Compression stockings are not required. Sealing the vein with the medical adhesive means that there is no additional healing after the treatment. You may need to avoid strenuous activity, including exercise, for up to seven days after the procedure.
Even though the vein is sealed with the medical adhesive, you may still be able to see it or feel it. Expect the vein to gradually disappear over the next four weeks after your treatment. Once the vein is absorbed by the body, there is no evidence of your varicose vein. Dr. Madan will schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure.
If you have varicose veins and are looking for advanced, minimally-invasive treatment options in Wilton and surrounding areas of Connecticut, contact Center for Varicose Veins to schedule a consultation. Dr. Vinay Madan is a board-certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who has been treating varicose veins and other vascular conditions for more than 20 years. Online initial consultations and office visits are available.
