![]() ![]() Mechanico-chemical vein ablation is where the sclerosant chemical is delivered directly into the faulty saphenous vein trunk with a catheter that also physically spins and sliightly damages the lining of the vein. Local “phlebitis” of the treated vein (inflamed thrombosis) can cause pain for 1-2 weeks and may occasionally leave some marking on the leg.(10-15%). With care these reactions are uncommon and transient. Side effects can be due to reactions to the foam entering the general circulation. If the veins do not disappear the treatment can be repeated. ![]() Success rates are approximately 70 – 80%. Foam sclerotherapy can be performed in a clinic and does not require any anaesthesia. Following the treatment it is important to wear a bandage and/or a support stocking on the leg for 2 weeks. Modern ultrasound can be used to direct the foam into the correct vein also improving results. Mixing the chemicals with air to make a foam is a more recent development which gives better results. This is called sclerotherapy and has been practised for many years. Veins with faulty valves and varicisoites can be treated in this way. Some chemical agents when injected into veins cause them to become inflamed, and with time, scarring occurs leading to obliteration of the vein. ![]() A below knee stocking is often sufficient. This assists the return of blood up the veins. The pressure in the stocking is designed to be greatest at the ankle level and gradually decrease up the leg. These can be brought at chemists or obtained on prescription. Use firm "graduated" SUPPORT STOCKINGS on the legs during the day.If you are OVERWEIGHT, try to reduce this down towards your ideal/target weight.Any elevation will help but if you can raise the feet above the level of the heart (chest) this will be particularly beneficial. AVOID standing still for long periods of time.Walking is the simplest to do and using the calf muscles directly pushes blood up the veins of the leg improving the circulation. Walking, running, cycling and swimming are all beneficial. Many patients improve with simple measures, After damage to the deep veins of the leg (ie DVT).Raised venous pressure and hormonal effects in pregnancy.If injured varicose veins are prone to cause bruising or may occasionally bleed. Varicose veins sometimes develop a clot (thrombosis) causing the vein to become red, hard and tender, known as “phlebitis”. The pressure in the veins especially when standing can lead to pain, swelling, and may sometimes lead to skin changes (brown staining, eczema, ulceration). The function of the veins is assessed by an ultrasound scan (Duplex). Two important sites where faulty valves occur are the groin or behind the knee. In order to treat varicose veins successfully the faulty valves need to be dealt with in addition to removing or reducing the varicosities. In varicose veins these valves do not function and the flow of blood is slow or even reversed. Normal veins rely on valves to keep the blood moving upwards. These abnormal veins are common, not dangerous, but may cause a number of symptoms. Varicose veins are dilated veins under the skin of the leg. Dilated, lumpy, tortuous surface leg veins ![]()
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