Monthly news about veins

Treatment of varicose veins using foam

Injection treatment of varicose veins is widely practiced. Although some people claim very good results, recurrence and staining occur. A wide range of sclerosants are now available which can destroy the lining of the vein, making recurrence impossible. If the sclerosant is given into an empty vein, this avoids staining. The foam technique allows complete filling of the vein with sclerosant, the foam is absorbed rapidly and the vein collapses. Early studies suggest that it is extremely effective with low recurrence rates and minimal staining.

Several groups are now experimenting with sclerosant foam and clinical trials are just about to start.

Questions to be addressed:

1) How effective is this form of treatment?

2) Will it replace surgical treatment of varicose veins?

3) Who will carry out this treatment - surgeons, physicians or nurses?

As the information becomes available, this page will be updated. Early results are published in Phlebology by J Caberera, from the Vascular Surgery Clinic in Granada.

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