Foam sclerotherapy can allow patients who are not suitable for thermal ablation to have non-surgical treatment of their varicose veins. Ultrasound visualisation is used to guide injection of the foam solution directly into your varicose veins. A combination of tight bandages and compression stockings are used for two weeks, minimising the risk of pain and inflammation of the treated veins. Repeat treatments may be required to completely remove all veins
Benefits of Foam Sclerotherapy
- Very quick to perform, treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes
- Procedure costs are much lower than thermal ablation or surgery
- Procedure is performed in a normal treatment room
- No general anaesthesia or hospital stay is required
What to expect at your procedure
- A few small needles are placed in the affected veins under ultrasound guidance
- Your leg is elevated
- Foam is prepared at the bedside and injected into the veins
- Ultrasound is used to confirm complete treatment of the affected veins
- Compression pads and bandages are applied
After the procedure
- Compression is applied day and night for the first seven days
- Stockings are worn during the day time only for the second seven days
- Phlebitis (inflammation of the treated veins) can occur after the procedure, and if severe may lead to staining of the skin
- Closure rates are lower than thermal ablation and treatment may need to be repeated
Click here to download the Foam Sclerotherapy Patient Information Sheet