Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that treats spider veins and varicose veins using a mild chemical solution, known as a sclerosant. The providers at Swift Vein Institute use ultrasound to guide the injection.
Once the treatment area is cleansed and sterilized, the physician will inject the sclerosant into the targeted vein. For spider veins, the physician may treat vein which supplies blood to the visible branches, known as the feeder vein.
The solution will cause irritation to the wall of the blood vessel, the result is that it will restrict and collapse. The blood flow will directed instead to other healthy veins in the area. Depending on the individual patient, the physician may make multiple injections around the target vein in order to complete the treatment. The body will absorb the collapsed vein in time.
Once the treatment is complete the leg is wrapped in bandage tightly for several hours to ensure the treated vein remains closed. Following the procedure, patients are able to return to daily activities. Compression hose is recommended to be worn for several days following the procedure.