Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Some problematic veins that require treatment are too tortuous (twisted) for laser ablation and too superficial (shallow) for ambulatory phlebectomy. These vessels are accessed with a needle under direct guidance with ultrasound. Once vein access is confirmed, a foamed scleroscent is injected. The scleroscent damages the vein lining, causing it to occlude. This procedure is different from (cosmetic) sclerotherapy which is used to treat spider veins.

The Day of Treatment

Any kind of medical procedure can sound scary if you don't understand the process. At Veradia, we want you to be as comfortable as possible. Below we outline your pre-procedure instructions, so that you can come prepared and relaxed.

Do not come to the office on an empty stomach. You will not be having general anesthesia. We encourage you to have a small meal 1 to 2 hours prior to arriving at the office.

You will be receiving a local anesthetic and, if you choose, an oral sedative. You will not be able to drive home following the procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home. You will be in the office up to 2 1/2 hours. The actual procedure itself usually takes about 1 hour.

Shave the affected leg the night before your procedure including 1-2 inches in the pubic area on that side. Do not apply any type of moisturizer to your leg the day of the procedure.

Do not use any aspirin products for 1 week prior to having the procedure. If you are on blood thinners, please notify us immediately so we can speak with your primary doctor and determine a course of action.

Please bring your compression hose to all appointments.

Be sure to ask any questions at any time. Again, we want your experience to be positive and rewarding!

Going Home

Now that your varicose veins have been successfully treated, making sure they stay that way takes a few simple measures. We ask all our patients to follow these standard post-treatment instructions:

Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure. For any long car rides the week after your procedure, please get out and walk hourly. You will have compression hose in place when you leave the office. Wear this hose for the first 24 hours (including during sleep) after your procedure. Then wear the hose for the next 6 days except when sleeping or showering.

You will have a small dressing and Steri-Strips at the insertion site after your procedure. You may remove the dressing at your first shower, but leave the Steri-Strips in place. The Steri-Strips may begin to come loose after 5-7 days, at which time you may remove them.

You may have some discomfort following the procedure. We suggest Tylenol (2 tablets every 4 hours as needed) to manage this discomfort. A "pulling" sensation in the treated leg several days (5-7) after treatment is normal. If you are having extreme discomfort or bleeding, notify the office immediately. Some patients find it helpful to take a day or two off from work, although we expect you to be able to resume all your pre-procedural activities (including work) the following day.

We would like you to continue to keep moving and maintain a normal level of activity. Walking twice daily for 20 minutes is encouraged and promotes speedy healing. Please refrain from vigorous exercise, however, for 1 week.

You will have a short, follow-up appointment 3-7 days after the procedure.