Foam Sclerotherapy

What Is Foam Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves the use of a sclerosant (ie. a substance which seals up blood vessels when injected) and has been used for many years to treat small varicose veins. Over recent years a technique has been developed which allows sclerotherapy to be used to treat larger varicose veins (up to 1cm in diameter). This involves mixing the sclerosant with air bubbles to create a foam.

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the skin and using ultrasound scanning, a small amount of foam is injected into the vein being treated. Following the procedure a bandage and stocking are sited on the leg which need to remain in place for around 1 week. The stocking should be worn for a further week after the bandage is removed. Some patients require a second injection for residual veins after a period of 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients are able to return to their normal routine immediately.

Complications are unusual but include bruising or discomfort around the needle site, phlebitis, a small area of skin discoloration overlying the vein and rarely, ulceration.