Which is better in regard to eliminating varicose veins without having chance of re-canalization: Venaseal or Varithena?

Question

Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy with Varithena? Also does the Glue stay in the body forever? if so, is there a chance of a piece breaking off and causing major issues?

Kathylee Santangelo, MD · Answer

Hi, sp720,
Unfortunately, with all vein ablation treatments there is some chance of re-canalization of the vein. Our office was one of the first practices in the US to use Varithena and have been using it for several years now. For most of our patients with severe venous reflux, two treatments with Varithena are required; however, after the two treatments, the majority of our patients doe not experience re-canalization. Venaseal is more invasive than Varithena, and the glue is left permanently in your body. While complications are rare, the risk is higher due to the placement of a foreign body into your vein. In my medical opinion, Varithena is a less risky and invasive procedure than Venaseal. Nonetheless, EVLT endovenous laser ablations and radiofrequency ablations of refluxing veins do have a lower re-canalization rate than both Venaseal or Varithena. 
I hope this helps!
Best,
Dr. KathyLee Santangelo

John Landi, MD · Answer

There are essentially 5 methods to close refluxing valves which are the cause of varicose veins.  Vena seal is the latest FDA approved method of the 5.  It is the injection of a foreign body into the vein and this is permanent.  I have not heard of this glue breaking off but there could be problems with its initial placement.  Varithena is technically easier to do but its long term closure rates may not be as good as the other methods.  My closure method of choice is endovenous laser ablation.

Which is better in regard to eliminating varicose veins without having chance of re-canalization: Venaseal or Varithena?

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Which is better in regard to eliminating varicose veins without having chance of re-canalization: Venaseal or Varithena?

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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