Sclerotherapy Needles for Varicose Veins?

Question

How long is the needle used for sclerotherapy treatments? Is the needle flexible? Is it a needle with flexible tubing?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

We typically use a 32 g 1/2 inch needle for sclerotherapy treatment.  The procedure is very tolerable.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

We use 32G (smaller than 30G) in addition to 30G needles which are half inch but also only penetrate the skin a few millimeters.  They are not flexible.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

25G or Guage needles are used to do sclerotherapy in our office and they are tiny - this is the size that all practicing vein specialists use - smaller than needles used by diabetics !

John Landi, MD · Answer

I use 31 and 33 g 1/2 inch needles routinely  for sclerotherapy.  The 33 g is slightly more flexible than the 31 g. Occasionally I may use a 30 g 1/2 inch needle for slightly larger veins.

Robert A. Weiss, MD · Answer

When treating small spider veins on the leg a short half-inch needle is used. The diameter is 30 gauge, meaning hair thin. It only penetrates into the spider vein for less than a 1/4 inch. The solution is then injected and treats an area the size of a quarter. It should be a relatively painless treatment since the needle is so tiny. When new solutions such as Asclera(TM) are used there is no stinging of the solution. This method can be used on any visible vein on the leg.

Timothy Mountcastle, MD · Answer

we use a 1/2 inch 30 gauge needle as everyone else does. we also use a butterfly needle with flexible tubing for larger veins.  this works very well with excellent results and minimal staining.

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

Typically we use an inflexible, 1/2 inch, 30 gauge needle for sclerotherapy (leg vein) treatments. I also bend the needle slightly before injecting. The patient experiences minimal discomfort and we can achieve great results. Hope this helps!

Donna Bilu Martin, MD · Answer

Usually, a 1/2 inch, inflexible, 30 gauge needle is used to acheive great results with the least amount discomfort. That is my personal preference, as well. I have colleagues that occasionally use a butterfly needle with flexible tubing when injecting larger veins, which works very well. It all depends on what the physician prefers.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

A 1/2 inch, 30 gauge needle work extremely well for 90% of the sclerotherapy that I do. Some of the very small veins are treated with an ultrafine 32 gauge need and a lesser concentrated sclerosant solution.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I use a very small 30 guage one half inch needle for sclerotherapy. It is a rigid needle that I bend at a slight angle before the injection procedure. There is no plastic tubing.

Sclerotherapy Needles for Varicose Veins?

Answers (10)