Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Category: VEIN INSTITUTE Hits: 1306

UGS (Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy) is used for the treatment of deeper veins that cannot be seen or felt and for larger superficial veins.

Unlike surgery where the vein is surgically stripped, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy seals off all of the weakened tributaries draining back into the superficial veins. With this technique, ultrasound equipment is used to both map the veins and guide the physician the inject the sclerosing agent into the vein, causing it to close up and be absorbed back into the body. The purpose of using an ultrasound in the treatment of varicose veins is for the visualization of the deeper source of pressure source of the bulging vein. The ultrasound map enables the precise anatomic location of abnormal veins.

Treatment with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy helps to avert complications such as blood clots, leg ulcers, and dermatitis, in addition to relieving bothersome symptoms like aching, swelling, and tiredness.  We frequently use ultrasound-guided therapy as a non-invasive alternative to vein stripping.  This procedure works best on slightly larger varicose veins, since the needle used to administer the medication might be too large for vey small veins.  

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is done right in our office, and does not require any sort of anesthesia.  Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure, with the exception of mild cramping as the injection goes into the vein, which usually only lasts a minute or two.  The treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete, depending on how many veins will be addressed.  Patients are encouraged to return to normal activities right after their appointment.  UGS has a very high success rate, we are committed to accurate assessment and comprehensive treatment to the long-term management to venous disease.