Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins

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Sclerotherapy: Definition & Goals - Vein Vanish Intro

  • Definition: Minimally invasive chemical ablation; sclerosant solution injected into unwanted veins.
  • Mechanism: Sclerosant damages endothelium → inflammation, fibrosis → vessel occlusion & resorption.
  • Primary Goals:
    • Eliminate varicose veins & spider veins (telangiectasias).
    • Alleviate symptoms: pain, aching, heaviness, swelling.
    • Improve cosmetic appearance.
  • Key Indications:
    • Varicose veins (CEAP C1-C3).
    • Telangiectasias, reticular veins.
    • Adjunct for venous malformations; post-surgery residual veins.
  • Patient Benefits:
    • Outpatient, minimal discomfort & downtime.
    • No general anesthesia; quick recovery.
    • Safe, effective, cost-efficient.

⭐ Polidocanol (POL) and Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS) are common FDA-approved sclerosants, widely used.

Leg Vein Anatomy Diagram

Sclerosants: Types & MOA - Chemical Closure Crew

Sclerosants induce controlled phlebitis and fibrosis. Choice depends on vein size, location, and patient factors.

AgentTypeMechanism of Action (MOA)Common Conc.Key Considerations
Hypertonic SalineOsmoticDehydrates endothelial cells via osmosis, causing damage.18-23.4%Painful, cramping; high risk of necrosis with extravasation; inexpensive.
Polidocanol (POL)DetergentDisrupts endothelial cell surface lipids, causing lysis.0.25-3%Anesthetic properties (less pain); lower ulceration risk; rare allergy.
Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS)DetergentDamages endothelial cell membrane, leading to thrombosis.0.1-3%Potent; higher risk of hyperpigmentation, telangiectatic matting; allergy.
Glycerin (Chromated)Osmotic/IrritantEndothelial dehydration & chemical irritation.50-75%Mild; best for small spider veins; less pigmentation; injection can be painful.

Procedure: Steps & Aftercare - Injection & Instructions

  • Pre-Procedure:
    • Clinical assessment, Duplex USG mapping.
    • Informed consent obtained.
    • Aseptic skin preparation.
  • Injection Technique:
    • Sclerosants: Polidocanol (POL), Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS). Concentrations vary by vein size.
    • Foam preparation (Tessari method: 1 part liquid sclerosant + 4 parts air/CO₂).
    • Fine needle (27-30G). Inject small volumes (0.1-0.5 mL per site).
    • Technique: Slow injection, observe for vein blanching.

    ⭐ Foam sclerotherapy (e.g., Tessari method: 1 part sclerosant + 4 parts air) significantly increases surface area contact and efficacy, allowing lower sclerosant volumes compared to liquid form.

  • Post-Procedure & Aftercare:
    • Immediate: Compression pads/bandages over injection sites.
    • Ambulation encouraged immediately post-procedure.
    • Compression therapy: Graduated stockings (Class II: 20-30 mmHg) for 2-3 weeks (first 24-72h continuously).
    • Avoid: Sun exposure, hot baths, strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks.
    • Follow-up: Typically at 2-4 weeks for assessment.

Sclerotherapy: Before and After

Adverse Effects & No-Gos - Safety Net Snippets

  • Common:
    • Hyperpigmentation (hemosiderin; fades), bruising, pain
    • Telangiectatic matting, localized urticaria
  • Rare/Serious:
    • DVT/PE (<1%), anaphylaxis
    • Tissue necrosis/ulceration (extravasation, arterial injection)
    • Nerve damage (transient sensory)
    • Stroke/TIA (PFO + foam), visual disturbances Impending ulceration after sclerotherapy
  • Absolute Contraindications:
    • Sclerosant allergy, acute DVT/PE/thrombophlebitis
    • Pregnancy (most Cat C)
    • Severe arterial disease (ABI <0.8), acute local infection
    • Immobility
  • Relative Contraindications:
    • Breastfeeding, hypercoagulable states
    • Poorly controlled systemic illness (DM)
    • History DVT/PE, significant edema, known PFO (foam)

⭐ Hyperpigmentation is the most common adverse effect (up to 30%), often from hemosiderin deposition, increased with higher sclerosant concentration or extravasation.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Sclerotherapy induces endothelial damage, fibrosis, and eventual vessel occlusion.
  • Common sclerosants: Polidocanol (detergent, less pain), Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS), hypertonic saline.
  • Indicated for telangiectasias (spider veins), small varicose veins, and reticular veins.
  • Key contraindications: Pregnancy, acute DVT/PE, significant arterial insufficiency, known sclerosant allergy.
  • Most common complication: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; others include telangiectatic matting, skin necrosis, allergic reactions.
  • Compression therapy post-procedure is crucial for optimal results and minimizing complications like DVT_._

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