Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy Treatment
When a vein cannot be seen because it is hidden beneath the skin, it may be necessary to use ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. For these procedures, the sclerosant solution is injected into the abnormal vein after it is targeted using ultrasound imaging. Prior to entering to inject the sclerosant solution, in these procedures a detailed ultrasound examination is usually done first to provide a roadmap of sorts for the upcoming sclerotherapy.
Request a Consultation
What Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy Targets
The procedure basically substitutes ultrasound imaging for the naked eye of one of our providers. With spider or varicose veins that are visible, it’s not difficult to see the targeted vein and deliver the sclerosant into the vein. When the vein is hidden beneath thicker skin, however, this isn’t possible. Ultrasound imaging is used to visualize the vein first, and then to guide the delivery of the sclerosant solution.
Risks Involved with Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound doesn’t add any additional risk to these already very low-risk treatments. Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate the images of the veins being targeted. You’ve probably heard of ultrasound being used to provide images of the fetus during pregnancy. This is a safe, harmless energy source that has been used for decades and presents no negative impacts on the human body.
Sclerotherapy has been used for over 90 years, and it has proven safe and effective. There is a very low risk of any reaction to the sclerosant solution. Tens of millions of sclerosant injections have been given and continue to be the method of choice for treating spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
Minor issues may be some redness at the injection sites and slight irritation, but that’s about it.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Procedure
Prior to targeting the vein or veins in your session, your provider will usually perform an ultrasound examination of the area. This gives them a good idea of the precise locations of the abnormal veins, as well as adjacent structures such as deep veins and arteries. It also gives them a better idea of what is creating the varicose veins.
The ultrasound energy is delivered through a hand-held wand over the treatment area. It broadcasts images to a video screen that your provider can view to guide them, providing precise accuracy for delivery of the sclerotherapy needle. Once they arrive at the correct vein, the sclerosant solution is injected. The sclerosant irritates the vein wall and the vein collapses. For larger veins, this process is repeated down the vein until it is completely closed and dramatically lessened in appearance. Any blood that was running through the vein is instantly re-routed to an adjacent, healthy vein. The body then scavenges the closed off vein over the new few weeks.
Contact Us for a Consultation
United Vein & Vascular Centers are Nationally IAC accredited facilities which means they have undergone a thorough review of their operational and technical components by a panel of experts in the field. Your vein health and quality of life are important. Treatment for common vein conditions like spider veins or varicose veins are typically quick and easy, requiring no down time or hospital stays.
There’s never been a better time to address your vein health issues. Most insurance providers including Medicare cover vein treatments; feel free to ask us about your coverage. We’re available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about vein health or treatment. Call us today to talk about taking charge of your vein health.