Although often dismissed as a “cosmetic problem,” varicose veins can cause pain and lead to serious health problems. Many people living with varicose veins do not seek treatment until they begin to cause pain. The good news is that there is the VenaSeal treatment option for varicose veins at the Novus Spine & Pain Center vein clinic. This non-invasive treatment can be a better option than invasive varicose vein treatments like vein stripping and is often more effective, requiring little to no recovery time.
The VenaSeal closure system is a popular treatment since it is the only non-thermal system for treating varicose veins. In addition, VenaSeal does not use an irritant solution as in sclerotherapy to destroy veins, nor does it require the use of large volumes of diluted anesthetic (tumescent anesthesia) common with some varicose vein treatments.
What Is VenaSeal?
The VenaSeal closure system was approved by the FDA in 2015 to treat venous reflux disease, which is often the underlying cause of chronic pain caused by varicose veins. The VenaSeal system uses a proprietary medical adhesive to seal the vein. The procedure is different from procedures using drugs, lasers, radio waves, or cuts in the skin to close or remove veins.
VenaSeal is the only non-thermal, non-sclerosant (injected irritant) procedure approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. for closing diseased veins. It is a unique treatment that eliminates nerve injury risk, which can happen with some thermal-based procedures. The procedure does not require injections of anesthesia, and there is no need for medication to prepare for the procedure.
How Does VenaSeal Work?
Since all varicose veins are not visible through the skin, the VenaSeal procedure begins with an ultrasound to locate damaged veins. A local anesthetic is then applied to the skin to numb the area for the procedure. Guided by ultrasound, the doctor inserts a catheter (small hollow tube) into the damaged vein. A special medical adhesive is then injected from the catheter into the diseased vein. Upon contact with blood, the adhesive bonds with the lining of the vein and blocks blood flow. Because blood no longer flows through the damaged vein, the varicose vein will eventually disappear.
The procedure minimizes patient discomfort and reduces recovery time. Additionally, there is minimal bruising following the VenaSeal procedure. The VenaSeal closure system also reduces recovery time. Many patients return to regular activity immediately after the procedure.
What are the Advantages of the VenaSeal System?
In addition to being safe and effective, the VenaSeal closure system has significant advantages over other varicose vein treatments, the main advantage being a rapid recovery period for patients.
There is less patient discomfort with the VenaSeal system compared to other varicose vein treatments. Other advantages of the VenaSeal system include:
- Requires only a tiny cut in the skin that does not require stitches.
- The vein is sealed with a small amount of medical glue that blocks and closes the vein.
- Blood flow reroutes naturally through nearby healthy veins.
- The body naturally absorbs the adhesive over time.
- The procedure does not cause any mechanical or thermal damage to the body.
- A single VenaSeal treatment may be all that is needed to eradicate varicose veins.
- In many cases, patients do not need to wear compression stockings following the VenaSeal procedure.
What Are the Results of the VenaSeal System?
VenaSeal has been proven safe in clinical trials. A five-year follow-up study of the VenaSeal closure system on the long-term safety and efficacy found that almost 95% of the veins treated remained closed. The study also found no deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or adhesive-related allergies reported with VenaSeal.
As with any medicine, there is a small chance that some individuals may be allergic to the medical adhesive used in the VenaSeal procedure. A simple skin test can determine if the patient will have a reaction to the adhesive before the procedure begins.
Novus Spine & Pain Center
Dr. Torres established Novus Spine & Pain Center in Lakeland, Florida, with the goal of providing the highest quality pain management care to every patient. Whether pain is the result of an injury or from another condition, Dr. Torres offers many different treatment options.
Novus Spine & Pain Center utilizes a comprehensive approach and cutting-edge therapies to restore normal function and allow patients to regain an active lifestyle while minimizing the need for opiates. As our patient, you are our top priority. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.
Our Mission Statement: To provide the best quality of life to people suffering from pain by providing state-of-the-art treatments, knowledge and skill, compassion, and respect for all.
For your convenience, you may schedule an appointment online, request a call back, or call our office at 863-583-4445.
VenaSeal Resources
VenaSeal™ Closure System (Medtronic)
VenaSeal™ Closure System FAQs (Medtronic)
VenaSeal Closure System (Vein Directory)
Is VenaSeal an Effective Treatment for Varicose Veins? (Varicose Veins)
Five-year extension study of patients from a randomized clinical trial (VeClose) (Science Direct)
Successful use of VenaSeal system for the treatment of large great saphenous vein of 2.84-cm diameter (PubMed)
FDA Approves New Varicose Vein Treatment (Medscape)
Updated: 9/23/22