Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
People can develop various venous disorders as a result of factors like aging, obesity, etc. Varicose vein is one of the most common venous disorders. Damage to the valves and walls of the vein often lead to the varicose vein. This can block blood circulation leading to pain and discomfort. For many, the thick and bulged veins behind the leg can be a cause of discomfort or can be an aesthetic issue for some.
In most cases, varicose veins are not a major medical concern. Non-surgical options like exercise, diet control, and the use of compression stockings can provide some relief but may not be an effective option for some. At IVY Cardiovascular and Vein Center, we offer Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins.
What is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting a sclerosant solution into the vein. When this is done in combination with ultrasound scanning, it can achieve high precision. The ultrasound helps in veins beneath the skin. The sclerosant solution enters the veins and destroys the walls of the vein. This leads to the eventual collapsing of the vein.
The treatment method is minimally invasive and safer than surgical procedures. Due to its high precision, the procedure is very effective in treating small and branched veins. It also provides maximum relief from pain and vein deformities.
How is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy Done? What to Expect?
The process of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy involves ultrasound mapping and sclerosant injection. It is quite simple and doesn’t require much time. The detailed procedure is as follows:
- Creation of a vein map using an ultrasound scanner probe
- Application of a local anesthetic or numbing agent on the area under treatment
- Identification of abnormal veins using the map
- Injection of a sclerosant solution into the veins
- Eventual collapse of abnormal veins.
The entire process takes 40 minutes to 1 hour but can vary depending upon the patient’s condition. The patient doesn’t feel any pain due to the application of a local anesthetic.
Things to Keep in Mind
It is a safe process compared to other surgical procedures for treating varicose veins. But, always make sure that you consult a medical practitioner before taking the treatment. There is no requirement for any special preparations before the treatment but it may be recommended that you:
- Avoid excess strain/pressure on your legs or the area of treatment
- Don’t undergo this treatment if you have immediate travel plans
- Abstain from applying any gel or moisturizer on the treatment area the day of the procedure.
Recovery & Expected Results
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime. Patients can get back to a normal routine within 1-2 days from the treatment. Few patients develop slight redness on the skin that will disappear on its own. After treatment, patients are encouraged to wear compression stockings. It is also advisable to walk daily for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will help with proper blood circulation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or other issues as a result of your varicose veins, contact IVY Cardiovascular and Vein Center today to schedule a consultation for your ultrasound- guided sclerotherapy with Ivy League trained cardiologist and advanced peripheral vascular specialist Dr. Rishi Panchal.