Venaseal Closure System (Medical Glue) - Varicose Veins Doctor

The Venaseal Closure System uses a specially formulated cyanoacrylate medical glue. It is a minimally invasive endovenous option for the treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. This is a newer technique compared to laser or radiofrequency, available for over 10 years now, but the glue material itself has been used in medicine since the 1950s and has proven safe and effective. Cyanoacrylate glue treatment is recommended by guidelines as a standard method of Varicose vein treatment.

The workup process is the same as any other vein treatment and the procedure itself is very similar to laser or radiofrequency ablation, hence you will find similarities in the description below. The difference is, that it’s a Non-thermal, Non-tumescent procedure, meaning that no heat is used and, therefore no need for tumescent anesthesia which is the uncomfortable part of the other two methods.

First, a thorough physical examination and detailed duplex Ultrasound scan/mapping of the leg are necessary to find the diseased veins, establish an accurate diagnosis, and plan the procedure individually to the specific needs of each and every patient.

The intention is to treat and close the incompetent main superficial venous trunks of the leg from the inside, by sticking its walls together. In the long term, the body will reabsorb the glued vein and it will disappear, similarly with laser or radiofrequency ablation. In preparation for the treatment, basic blood tests are checked. Just before the procedure, another ultrasound scan is performed to confirm that it's all good and safe to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How Glue Treatment is performed:

• While laying flat, local anesthetic is applied, skin is numbed and the target vein is cannulated under ultrasound guidance through a tiny incision, approximately 3 mm.
• A catheter loaded with the glue is advanced into the vein under ultrasound guidance up to the source of incompetence, most often to the level of the groin. This is pain-free, maybe a sensation of “something going on” can occur.
• The glue is injected while the catheter is withdrawn in 3cm steps and by applying manual pressure, the vein walls stick together. A very small amount of 0.1ml glue is used in every 3 cm length of the vein. The effect is immediate. No heat is used, it is basically pain-free therefore no need for tumescent anesthesia, unlike Laser Treatment.
• Closing the main trunks, we expect side branches to collapse over the coming weeks. If this is not the case, we can target those veins with foam sclerotherapy later.
• Sometimes sclerotherapy or micro phlebectomy is best performed simultaneously with the glue treatment. This is dependent on your specific situation.

During the procedure, you are encouraged to talk and ask anything if you are concerned.

Glue Treatment recovery:

Unless your venous disease is in a very advanced stage e.g. spontaneous bleeding, marked skin changes, or ulcer a compression bandage is not needed. Patients are ready to walk out of the theater and leave the center. You can resume normal daily activities immediately after the glue treatment. Some patients may experience a moderate inflammatory reaction with tenderness over the treated vein a week to 10 days afterward. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are usually sufficient and symptoms will subside in a couple of days / a week.