What is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy?
Written by:
Vascular surgeon
Published: 01/07/2022
Edited by: Conor Lynch
In one of our latest articles, we find out what ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy entails, and what exactly is injected in one’s veins during the new varicose-vein-treating procedure, as highly esteemed vascular surgeon, Mr Philip Coleridge Smith, provides us with a comprehensive overview of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.
What is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy?
It is a new and highly effective technique used to treat varicose veins, and involves a needle being injected into the patient’s veins. The first step involves the patient standing up whilst an ultrasound scan is performed. This checks for the underlying anatomy and will allow the surgeon to assess where he or she needs to inject the needle.
Local anaesthetic will be injected at the site of injection. Once applied, the foam is injected. Typically, the needle with foam will be injected into between four and eight different locations.
What exactly is injected into the vein(s)?
The solutions are mixed with a gas to create foam consisting of very small bubbles. Due to the fact that the air is rapidly absorbed from the veins, the solution can effectively treat the varicose veins.
Who is suitable for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy?
Thankfully, the vast majority of patients with small or moderate-sized varicose veins are suitable candidates for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Careful studies have shown that foam sclerotherapy is the most effective way of treating varicose veins which have recurred after previous surgery.
How effective is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy?
Several detailed clinical series that have been published in the medical press demonstrate that between 80 per cent to 90 per cent of saphenous veins (the main surface vein) are permanently removed by this treatment when examined five years later using ultrasound imaging.
Mr Philip Coleridge Smith is a highly regarded, leading London-based vascular surgeon who is an expert when it comes to treating varicose veins. Consult with him today via his Top Doctors profile if you are considering undergoing ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.