Varithena: A New Approach for Treating Varicose Veins

Having to deal with varicose and spider veins are not a pleasant experience for anyone. They can significantly impact your life both physically and emotionally, which may also lower your self-esteem.

The good thing is you do not have to put up with that discomfort and pain. A painless solution is now available. It can eliminate these veins and does not require sedation, anesthesia, or incisions. Varithena is your solution.

Read on to discover what Varithena is all about, how it's done, and what you can expect.

What is Varithena? 

Varithena is a procedure that specialists use to treat venous reflux disease, often the underlying cause of painful varicose veins. It uses microfoam that helps to boost the creation of clots and damaged tissue caused by particular forms of veins.

This, in return, reduces the expansion of engorged veins. However, for more prominent varicose veins, more than 3 mm in dimension, your specialist may advise on what procedure to apply. The treatment does not require stitches and takes less than 1 hour to complete. 

How is Varithena Treatment Done?

The veins are injected with microfoam, which induces them to close. During this treatment, the following things are done.

• The vein specialist (ideally a board-certified vascular surgeon) numbs the injection site before the treatment to prevent pain during the procedure.
• A small amount of Varithena microfoam is administered into the desired vein section to treat the vein wall. The infected vein then collapses.
• Blood flow is diverted into the nearby healthy veins. The injected microfoam makes the healthy veins disperse.
• The same procedure is repeated in the case of other areas which may require treatment.

What Happens After the Treatment?

The good thing about this procedure is that you can go back to your routine, but you should avoid strenuous exercises for 1-2 weeks, however light exercise is encouraged. The medical staff will provide advice on how you can care for yourself after the procedure. Below are steps that are taken after treatment.

• The physician observes you for 10-15 minutes to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
• You're wrapped with a bandage and compression stockings, which you should wear for two weeks to prevent blood clots from forming.
• Daily walks of 10 or more minutes for a few weeks are recommended to help in the healing process.
• The physician may advise you if additional treatment sessions are needed.

Varithena is a treatment tool that can transform your life as a varicose vein patient. It will help to improve vein disappearance and reduce the previous discomfort you were experiencing. The symptoms also subside, which enables you to get back to your normal activities.

How Safe is Varithena?

Varithena is FDA approved and has been found to be as safe and as effective as thermal ablation. It also significantly reduces the potential for nerve damage when treating veins below the knee which can occur with other therapies.

Is Varithena Suitable for Every Patient?

Its important to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and allergies so they can ensure Varithena is a safe and appropriate treatment option, especially those patients who:

• Have arterial disease
• Have a blood clot disorder such as deep vein thrombosis
• Have Buerger’s disease
• Are pregnant or have recently been pregnant

What are the Side Effects of Varithena?

The majority of the side effects are minor and usually go away within a few days of starting treatment. Here are some side effects associated with this treatment.

• Leg discomfort and sometimes pain
• Tenderness or itching where you were injected
• Allergic reactions for some people
• Bruising may occur at the injection site
• Headaches and dizziness

When Should You See a Doctor?

Apart from the common side effects, if you notice these signs, seek medical help.

• Severe numbness, headache, or pain that doesn't go away
• Swelling, redness or hotness in the legs
• Trouble breathing

If you're looking for ways of getting rid of varicose veins, The Cardiovascular Care Group is the solution for you. Contact us today and let our team of vascular specialists diagnose and treat all your vein conditions.