Navigating vascular health: Insights to Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
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Navigating vascular health: Insights to Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

LJVascular2023-08-31T19:14:54-07:00

Navigating vascular health: Insights to Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Elevating Vein Health

When it comes to combating surface varicose veins and those that remain hidden to the naked eye, the prowess of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy shines. This advanced technique combines precise administration with ultrasound visualization, offering a safe and effective solution for various vein conditions. In this article, we delve into the details of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, the role of polidocanol (Asclera®), treatment frequency, and what you can expect on your treatment days.

Unveiling Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: A Cutting-Edge Solution

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy harnesses the power of technology and medical expertise to target varicose veins that may not be immediately visible. The foam medication, guided by ultrasound, is precisely directed towards nearby varicose veins. This technique is not only effective for veins near the skin or nerves but also navigates veins with complex twists and turns.

Polidocanol (Asclera®): A Preferred Sclerosant

In the realm of sclerosant medications, polidocanol, under the brand name Asclera®, stands out as a preferred choice. Its comfort for patients and minimal risk of side effects make it a prime candidate for treatment. As a detergent-type medication, polidocanol gently disrupts the inner lining of veins. This action halts blood flow, eventually leading to the complete closure of the vein. Polidocanol, approved by the FDA since 2010 for varicose vein treatment, has a substantial track record of success in Europe for decades. The transformation of polidocanol into foam for treating larger veins, although an off-label use, has proven remarkably effective and well-tolerated by patients. Our seasoned experts at La Jolla Vein Care boast extensive experience in foam sclerotherapy, ensuring your vein health is in capable hands.

Treatment Frequency: A Personalized Approach

The number and frequency of treatments vary based on individual anatomy, vein response to treatment, and patient goals. On average, 2 to 5 treatment sessions achieve an 80% improvement. Some larger or stubborn veins may necessitate two or more sessions to achieve complete response.

Your Treatment Days: A Guided Journey to Vein Wellness

Preparing for your ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy treatment day is straightforward:

Consent and Attire: You’ll sign a consent form and change into provided shorts.
Skin Preparation: Your skin will be cleaned with alcohol, and ultrasound will be used to locate the veins for targeted treatment.
Injection Process: The foam medication will be injected into your veins using a fine needle, guided by ultrasound.
Recovery Period: You’ll elevate your legs on a comfortable wedge pillow for around 15 minutes post-treatment.
Compression Stockings and Walking: Following treatment, compression stockings will be applied, and you’ll walk for 30 minutes before departing. It’s normal to experience achiness and tenderness after treatment.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy paves the way for enhanced vein health, offering precision and efficacy. At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, our dedicated medical team is committed to providing personalized care for your vein health journey. By embracing cutting-edge techniques like ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, you’re embarking on a path to healthier, pain-free legs and elevated well-being.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts!

Navigating vascular health: Insights to Ultrasound-Guided Foam SclerotherapyLJVascular2023-08-31T19:14:54-07:00

Treatment for surface varicose veins
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Treatment for surface varicose veins

LJVascular2023-02-15T16:24:28-08:00

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy works well for treating surface varicose veins and veins that are not visible to the naked eye. The foam medication can be seen on ultrasound, which allows us to administer it precisely and direct it towards nearby varicose. Foam sclerotherapy can be safely used for veins that travel close to the skin or nerves. It also travels easily with many twists and turns.

WHAT IS POLIDOCANOL (ASCLERA®)?

A variety of sclerosant medications can be used for veins, but we prefer polidocanol (brand name Asclera®) because it is the most comfortable for the patient and has the lowest risk of side effects. It is a detergent-type medication that injures the inner lining of the veins. This causes the vein to stop flowing, then eventually close down completely. Polidocanol has been well-studied and has been approved by the FDA since 2010 for the treatment of varicose and has been used in Europe for decades. Polidocanol is turned into a foam to treat larger veins. This is an off-label use of the sclerosant but very effective and well tolerated. La Jolla Vein Care providers have extensive experience with foam sclerotherapy.

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments depends on a patient’s anatomy, how well they respond to each treatment, and the patient’s treatment goals. The national average is 2 to 5 treatment sessions to achieve 80% improvement. Some larger or resistant veins require two or more treatments to respond completely.

What should I expect on my treatment days?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins. The foam medication will then be injected with a fine needle. You will elevate your legs on a wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car. It is normal for your legs to be achy and tender to the touch after treatment.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources.

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

Treatment for surface varicose veinsLJVascular2023-02-15T16:24:28-08:00

Chemical Ablation: Varithena
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Chemical Ablation: Varithena

LJVascular2023-02-15T16:18:08-08:00

Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam)

is a prescription medication used to treat the great saphenous vein system (GSV) and associated varicose veins of the GSV system. Varithena improves the symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. It is a non-thermal, non-tumescent, nearly painless method of vein treatment.

WHAT IS VARITHENA?

Foam Sclerotherapy

Varithena is a “microfoam” formulation of polidocanol (sclerosing agent) and CO2.

The result is a microfoam that has an appearance and consistency similar to white, foamy shave cream.

Ultrasound guidance is used to inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. The microfoam fills the lumen for circumferential

contact where it’s designed to displace blood and destroy the endothelial lining efficiently.

Varithena® may be recommended based on your vein location, size, anatomy and vein tortuosity.

Varithena® is:

Effective to treat veins of different sizes above and below the knee
Requires no incisions, sedation or general anesthesia
Does not require a wire to be inserted along the length of your vein
Does not use heat, eliminating the risk of thermal injury

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments depends on a patient’s anatomy, how quickly the veins respond, and the patient’s treatment goals. There is a limit on the amount of medication we can give you each day to avoid causing side effects. Some larger or resistant veins may require two treatments to respond completely but most veins respond to Varithena® after one treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON THE DAY OF TREATMENT?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins. The foam medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. The foam fills and treats the desired section of the vein. The diseased vein collapses and the foam is deactivated. Your legs will be elevated on a comfortable wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.