Foam Sclerotherapy?

Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique for men and women to eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a foam sclerosant in a blood vessel to close it. The blood reroutes itself through healthy veins, restoring more normal blood flow.

Some common uses of the procedure:

Pre-procedure Your consultant and assisting nurse will welcome you into the treatment room. At your initial consultation, an ultrasound scan will have identified which veins require which treatment. A full explanation of the treatment options – including potential complications and success rates – will have been given to you. At the start of the foam sclerotherapy treatment appointment, we encourage you to ask any further questions before signing to give your consent to the proposed treatment. Music will be played during the treatment (your choice). Your nurse will be at your side throughout the appointment.
The Procedure The veins to be treated are identified. The procedure involves a small needle (butterfly) being inserted into the vein(s) and the foam solution injected. The foam displaces the blood in the vein and attacks the lining of the vein wall, causing the vein to shrivel up. The foam ensures good contact with the cells in the lining of the vein, producing the most effective results. The shrunken veins are then broken down and absorbed gradually by your body. As with EVLA, once the veins have been destroyed, the blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins, improving your circulation. The procedure may be undertaken using ultrasound guidance, but this is dependent on the size of the veins being treated. Ultrasound guidance is used when treating large varicose veins; but for smaller veins that are close to the surface, it is not often necessary for the ultrasound to be used, as visual guidance is sufficient. Due to the series of tiny injections involved in the foam sclerotherapy procedure, some patients find them uncomfortable or mildly painful. The sclerosant used can often sting slightly. The procedure usually takes around 30-45 minutes.
Post-Procedure The nurse will help you put on a compression stocking (two if you have had both legs treated) to be worn for 7 days following treatment. The nurse will explain how to wear and bathe in these and will also provide you with aftercare advice, including any post-treatment symptoms to be aware of. You are encouraged to go on at least a 10-minute walk prior to returning home.