veins

Foam Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins have been treated by injections for many years. Unfortunately the veins tend to return and many surgeons have moved away from this old technique.  Foam Sclerotherapy is a new variation of this method.

Under ultrasound guidance, the vein is injected with a special foam sclerosant which destroys the lining of the vein. The sclerosant is mixed with gas to make a fine foam (micro-bubbles). This allows less to be injected and increases contact with the vein wall giving more consistent results.

However, injecting air directly into the bloodstream can cause temporary visual disturbance or worse. Complications include painful phlebitis (inflammation) of the veins, blood clots (thrombosis) and skin staining which occurs in up to 40 % of cases. About 2% (1 in 50) patients have side effects such as chest tightness, dry cough, headache, 'pins and needles' or problems with their vision. Stockings have to be worn for long periods, the injections need repeating and the results seem very variable.

Note: Because of our concerns about the side-effects and the fact that long term results are unlikely to match VNUS Closure or surgery, we do not offer foam sclerotherapy at the Midlands Vein Clinic. The technique has not been widely adopted in the UK due to similar concerns.

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