Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Used to treat affected veins by delivering medication directly under ultrasound guidance.
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins and other affected veins by injecting a specially prepared foam medication directly into the vein under real-time ultrasound guidance. The foam causes the vein wall to become irritated and eventually close, allowing blood to be redirected through healthier veins.
What Is Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?
In this procedure, a sclerosant medication is mixed with a small amount of gas to create a foam. The foam is then injected into the target vein under continuous ultrasound monitoring, allowing precise placement of the medication. The foam displaces blood within the vein, ensuring maximum contact between the sclerosant and the vein wall.
Over the weeks following treatment, the treated vein gradually closes and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue. Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is often used alongside other procedures such as Endovenous Laser Ablation, forming part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual condition.
How Does Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy Work?
The ultrasound guidance component is an important feature of this procedure. It allows the treating surgeon to visualise the vein in real time, ensuring the foam is accurately placed within the correct vein. This is particularly valuable when treating veins that are not easily visible through the skin or that lie deeper within the tissue.
The sclerosant foam works by damaging the inner lining of the vein wall. This triggers an inflammatory response that causes the vein to contract and eventually close. The body then gradually reabsorbs the closed vein over a period of weeks to months.
When Might This Treatment Be Recommended?
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy may be recommended for patients with:
- Varicose veins that have not responded to compression therapy
- Recurrent varicose veins following previous treatment
- Veins that are not suitable for thermal ablation techniques
- Residual or tributary veins following ablation treatment
The suitability of this procedure is always determined following a thorough clinical assessment and duplex Doppler ultrasound study.
What Are The Benefits Of Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?
This procedure offers a number of practical advantages for suitable patients:
- No surgical incisions required
- Performed under ultrasound guidance for precision and safety
- Carried out on an outpatient basis
- Typically well tolerated with minimal discomfort
- Can be used to treat veins in locations not accessible by other methods
As with all treatments offered at Vein Solutions South Africa, recommendations are based on your specific diagnosis and the findings of your ultrasound assessment.
What To Expect At Your Consultation
Your consultation will begin with a discussion of your symptoms and relevant medical history. A physical examination and comprehensive duplex Doppler ultrasound study will be carried out to map the affected veins and identify the underlying cause of your condition. Based on these findings, the most appropriate treatment plan will be discussed with you in full.
Find Out More
If you have questions about Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy or would like to explore your treatment options, please contact us to arrange a consultation with Vein Solutions South Africa.
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