Venaseal™ Closure System is a relatively new procedure used to treat varicose veins, a viable alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery or other minimally invasive techniques like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). The Venaseal™ procedure is preformed in the laser vein clinic and offers a modern, effective, and patient-friendly approach to treating varicose veins by sealing them with a medical adhesive, thereby eliminating the need for traditional vein stripping surgery.
Pre-Procedure Preparation:
- Consultation: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a venous ultrasound at Greater Niagara Medical Imaging (GNMI) also located at 464 Welland Ave in St. Catharines. Once that ultrasound has been read a second ultrasound is preformed in the laser vein clinic. Using this information the Doctor can then assess the severity of the varicose veins and determine if Venaseal™ is an appropriate treatment.
- Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the patient’s leg is cleaned, and the area around the vein(s) to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. The patient is awake during the procedure, which is done under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of the Venaseal™ adhesive.
- Procedure Steps:
- A small incision (typically less than 2mm) is made near the ankle or calf to access the vein with a catheter.
- A thin guidewire is inserted through the catheter and threaded up the length of the vein to be treated, under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate positioning.
- Once the catheter is properly positioned within the diseased vein, the Venaseal® system is used to deliver medical adhesive (cyanoacrylate) along the length of the vein. This adhesive seals the vein shut permanently.
- The adhesive quickly polymerizes upon contact with blood, causing the vein walls to stick together. Over time, the treated vein becomes scar tissue that is absorbed by the body. Blood flow is naturally rerouted to healthier veins nearby. After the procedure, a bandage is applied over the tiny incision site.
- Unlike EVLT, only one or two anesthetic needles are required for this non-thermal ablation of the varicose vein.
Post-Procedure Care:
- Thigh-High Compression stockings with a 20-30mmHg must be worn for 48hours after the procedure to aid in healing and reduce swelling.
- Patients are usually encouraged to resume normal daily activities shortly after the procedure, with minimal restrictions compared to traditional surgery. Patients are to avoid streneous activity for 14 days after the procedure.
- A one-month follow-up Ultra-Sound & in-office appointment is scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the varicose vein has been effectively treated.
Advantages of Venaseal™:
- Minimally Invasive: Requires only a single needle stick for access and a small incision.
- Comfortable: Patients typically experience little to no pain during or after the procedure.
- Fast Recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.
- Effective: Clinical studies have shown high success rates in closing varicose veins and improving symptoms.
Considerations:
- Venaseal is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks such as the potential for allergic reactions to the adhesive or rare complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
- Not all varicose veins may be suitable for Venaseal treatment, and your vascular specialist will determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.
- This procedure is more expensive than EVLT.
Venaseal™ Closure System is a relatively new
procedure used to treat varicose veins, a viable
alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery or
other minimally invasive techniques. The
Venaseal™ procedure is preformed in office by Dr.
Rammohan and an ultrasound technician and offers
a modern, effective, and patient-friendly approach to
treating varicose veins by sealing them with a
medical adhesive, thereby eliminating the need for
traditional vein stripping surgery.
Pre-Procedure Preparation:
Consultation: Before the procedure, a patient
is typically refered to and undergoes a
consultation with Dr. Rammohan, a vascular
specialist, who assesses the severity of the
varicose veins and determines if Venaseal™ is
an appropriate course of action. An ultrasound
Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the
patient’s leg is cleaned and sterilized, and the
area around the vein(s) to be treated is numbed
with a local anesthetic. The patient is awake
during the procedure, which is done under
ultrasound guidance to ensure precise
placement of the Venaseal™ adhesive.
Procedure Steps:
Dr. Rammohan makes a small incision
(typically less than 1mm) near the varicose
vein, usually around the knee or upper thigh
area, to access the vein with a catheter.
A thin guidewire is inserted through the
catheter and threaded up the length of the
vein to be treated, under ultrasound guidance
to ensure accurate positioning.
Once the catheter is properly positioned
within the diseased vein, the Venaseal®
system is used to deliver medical adhesive
(cyanoacrylate) along the length of the vein.
This adhesive seals the vein shut
permanently.
The adhesive quickly polymerizes upon
contact with blood, causing the vein walls to
stick together. Over time, the treated vein
becomes scar tissue that is absorbed by the
body. Blood flow is naturally rerouted to
healthier veins nearby. After the procedure, a
bandage is applied over the tiny incision site.
Post-Procedure Care:
Thigh-High Compression stockings with a 20-
30mmHg must be worn for 48hours after the
procedure to aid in healing and reduce
swelling.
Patients are usually encouraged to resume
normal daily activities shortly after the
procedure, with minimal restrictions compared
to traditional surgery. Patients are to avoid
streneous activity for 14 days after the
procedure.
A one-month follow-up Ultra-Sound & in-office
appointment is scheduled to monitor healing
and ensure the varicose vein has been
effectively treated.
Advantages of Venaseal™:
Minimally Invasive: Requires only a single
needle stick for access and a small
incision.
Comfortable: Patients typically experience
little to no pain during or after the
procedure.
Fast Recovery: Most patients can return to
normal activities within a day or two.
Effective: Clinical studies have shown high
success rates in closing varicose veins
and improving symptoms.
Considerations:
Venaseal is generally considered safe, but
like any medical procedure, it carries some
risks such as the potential for allergic
reactions to the adhesive or rare
complications such as deep vein
thrombosis.
Not all varicose veins may be suitable for
Venaseal treatment, and your vascular
specialist will determine the best course of
action based on individual circumstances.