What is Varithena?
It is one of the newest treatment options available from a vein clinic, but what exactly is Varithena procedure? In November of 2013, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a Varithena, a foam vein ablation treatment, according to Drugs.com. Understanding how Varithena works will help you make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.
What is Varithena?
Varithena is a chemical ablation treatment available for varicose veins, especially larger ones like the saphenous veins. The great saphenous vein is a superficial vessel and often the culprit in leg discomfort and venous disease.
Varithena foam displaces the blood in the vein by attaching to the wall. The chemical then irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and close. Once that happens, the body naturally reroutes the blood flow and the vein disappears completely over time.
What is the Procedure Like?
The vascular surgeon uses an ultrasound to locate the problem vein. Once a path is mapped out, the doctor injects the Varithena with a single cannula, using just a local anesthetic to manage pain.
Is Varithena Safe?
Yes, like other foam solutions, Varithena becomes inert in blood. The foam may travel outside the problem vein, but becomes benign once it comes in contact with blood. The Houston area vein clinic has been using Varithena since 2014. Clinical trials for the drug proved it was safe for most people. The only contraindication for Varithena was an acute thromboembolic disease.
Is Varithena Painful?
The Varithena treatment is only mildly invasive, so there should be minimal discomfort. You may feel some pressure from the injection. It is a good choice for patients that have a low tolerance to pain, because it require less pin pricks than options that require local a local anesthetic along the entire length of the vein such as laser ablation.
After the treatment, there may be some bruising around the injection site and minor leg pain. Any leg discomfort you feel after the treatment will dissipate in about a week.
Does Varithena Require More Than One Treatment?
That depends on the patient and the number of diseased veins. For some, one treatment will be enough. Others may require multiple applications to fully eradicate the problem veins.
Why Choose Varithena Over Other Treatments?
Varithena is foam, so it attaches to the vein wall better than other ablation treatments. Varithena is also a less invasion vein treatment. This means faster and easier recovery after the procedure. It may not be the right choice for you – that will be up to the doctor to decide, but it is worth considering if you have large varicose veins.
If you think you might benefit from Varithena treatment in Houston, do not hesitate to get in touch today to schedule your initial evaluation.
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