Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Some veins that are treated with sclerotherapy are invisible to the naked eye, and some are just too large to treat with a liquid medication. For these cases, we utilize our ultrasound to pinpoint these deeper veins needing treatment, and perform foam sclerotherapy. Utilizing the ultrasound to visualize the vein allows accurate placement of the needle into the vein on the first attempt, every time. During foam sclerotherapy, we use the same medications as traditional sclerotherapy, but the medicine is mixed with air to create foam. The medication then causes the treated veins to swell shut, pushing the blood out similarly to the smaller surface vein injections. The treated veins will gradually turn to scar tissue and be absorbed by the body, fading from view. The advantages of using foam for large veins include:
- Foam is visible on the ultrasound, which allows us to watch as the medication actually treats your vein.
- Using foam allows more veins to be treated than with the liquid alternative
- The use of foam is valuable for injecting larger veins that are too big to be injected with liquid.
What To Expect From Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy procedures usually take around fifteen minutes and are performed in the comfort of one of our two conveniently located offices. First, an ultrasound is used to locate the veins requiring treatment. Once the problematic vein has been treated, a needle is inserted into the vein using ultrasound guidance. The vein is then injected with medication that damages the vein walls and causes the vein to collapse on itself, forcing blood flow to healthy pathways. After the vein has been treated and collapsed, it will slowly be absorbed by the body and disappear with time.
What To Expect After Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Following treatment, patients may experience some itching, but with no incisions or anesthesia required, patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately following treatment. Compression stockings should be worn for five days, while being removed at night while in bed.
Take The First Step
If you are interested in learning if ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is the right treatment option for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our expert staff at either our Nashville or Hermitage location and let us help you get back to loving your legs.