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The Vein Institute

VenaSeal

VenaSeal is an advanced new treatment for venous insufficiency. It works by delivering a precise amount of medical adhesive to the diseased vein, sealing it off and rerouting the blood to other healthy nearby veins.

The VenaSeal system predominantly targets the great saphenous vein and its branches. This large vein extends all the way from the foot to the groin, and its main function is to propel blood back up to the heart from veins in the lower extremities. As VenaSeal is a relatively new procedure, and short-term results look very effective, long-term data has yet to be validated. In some cases, patients will require additional treatment with sclerotherapy.

Benefits at a glance

  • Is a low risk, minimally invasive procedure
  • No general anaesthesia is required
  • Generally takes less than 60 minutes for a treatment
  • No downtime and patient can resume normal activities immediately
  • Procedure is virtually pain free with patients experiencing only minor discomfort
  • No compression stockings are required
  • Works best on straight veins rather than twisted veins
  • Reduces the risk of burns or nerve damage
  • Quick and simple outpatient procedure
  • Success rates of up to 96.8%
  • No travel restrictions
  • The body absorbs the problem vein and reroutes the blood to a healthy vein

What to expect during the procedure

  • The doctor will numb the area where the catheter will enter with local anaesthetic
  • Ultrasound will be used to reveal the problem vein and its path throughout your body
  • A catheter will be inserted into the vein through a tiny incision, using ultrasound guidance
  • The doctor will slowly administer the medical adhesive, dispensing tiny amounts of the superglue into the vein while applying pressure to the vein
  • After the procedure, a bandage will be placed over the incision area while the adhesive seals the vein shut
The Vein Institute

Post treatment

Within a few months the body will reabsorb the treated vein, causing it to disappear altogether. Most patients see considerable reduction in the appearance of their varicose veins within four-six weeks, with only one session. The whole process takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are being treated in one session. You’ll be able to resume normal activities immediately; however, avoid strenuous exercise such as weight lifting, running or jumping for one week. The next day you’ll be able to remove the bandage and shower.

As with all medical procedures, and while very rare, there are some risks involved. These include allergic reaction to medical adhesive, infection, thrombosis, phlebitis or pulmonary embolism.

Have questions about Medical Superglue treatment?

We have listed some of our most asked questions to the right. If you would like to speak to someone please contact us on 1300 535 017 or make an appointment.

What can be treated?

Almost any straight vein between 4mm and 16mm can be treated with the Venaseal procedure. A duplex ultrasound is required to establish the size of the vein. Up to 5 straight veins can be treated  at any one time.

How effective is the procedure?

A number of studies have suggested that Venaseal has a greater than 92% success rate over 5 years which is equivalent to gold standard treatment with endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation. Recent short term studies have suggested that the closure rate at 3 months is greater than 96%. All patients at The Vein Institute have follow up scans at six weeks to ensure that your procedure has been effective.

Isn't surgery more effective?

Surgery is not considered more effective than Venaseal treatment. Venaseal, Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation are considered the gold standard of treatments and are considered more effective and safer than surgery.

What is the process?

  • Arrive at our clinic on time. No preparation is required such as fasting or stopping medications.
  • After your scan you will lie comfortably on the treatment bed and the doctor will then prepare your leg for treatment before using a tiny amount of local anaesthetic to numb the area.
  • A small catheter will be inserted into the varicose vein with the tiny amounts of glue being deposited. A bandaid is then applied to the insertion site. There is usually no need for any compression stockings and you can return to work as normal.

Is it painful?

Patients usually feel very little to no pain. It’s extremely uncommon for patients to experience significant pain during the procedure or after.

What do I do if I'm very nervous?

Try not to worry, but if you are particularly anxious, please let us know in advance and we can arrange  a valium for you to take. Alternatively you may listen to music on your phone or read a book. Your favourite music can also be requested on our stereo system (please let our reception staff know in advance).

Do I require follow up?

Yes all patients will require a follow up visit within 3 weeks after Venaseal treatment during which another scan is performed to make sure the treatment has worked. Sides branch veins may be treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy at this time if necessary.

What happens to the treated vein?

The vein that has been treated will be sealed during the treatment. This vein will be reabsorbed by the body over time. As everyone has billions of veins, the blood will naturally be rerouted to a different vein.

What side effects or complications can occur with the Venaseal treatment?

Rare: In 10% of cases some soreness after the procedure can be experienced which usually settles with Nurofen in one week.

Extremely rare: skin sensation can be affected by a period of time. There is also a small risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus.

If there are any concerns after the procedure one of our doctors must be contacted.

I want to have the Venaseal procedire. What do I do?

Please call our office on 1300 535 017 to book a consult. No referral is required.
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