The VenaSeal procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux. A thin catheter is inserted into the diseased superficial vein through a tiny puncture. The catheter delivers a small amount adhesive into the diseased superficial vein. The adhesive closes off the diseases vein immediately. In turn, blood flow gets redirected to nearby healthy veins and symptoms improve.

Since damaged valves can't be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. The VenaSeal procedure is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive therapy that offers immediate symptomatic relief by closing off blood flow from diseased veins to healthier ones.

During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin and ties off the vein. After that, a stripper tool is threaded through the saphenous vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf.

In the VenaSeal procedure, there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the diseased vein remains in place and is closed using a small amount of medical adhesive. This eliminates the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping (i.e., that may result from the tearing of side branch veins while the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while the VenaSeal procedure, like RFA, is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using a local anesthetic. Patients undergoing vein stripping are also subject to protracted recovery periods due to the surgery. VenaSeal patients are able to return to normal activity almost immediately after the procedure and, normally, do not need to wear compression hose.

Generally, the procedure takes about 20 minutes for each vein to be treated, and patients should expect to spend a little over an hour at our offices for their VenaSeal visit.

Most patients feel very little or no pain during the procedure.

Patients are given a numbing agent just at the site where the catheter is inserted.

In general, patients can exercise right after the procedure.

Symptoms are caused by the diseased superficial vein, so symptoms will often improve as soon as the disease vein is sealed.

Patients report little-to-no bruising after the VenaSeal procedure.

VenaSeal Closure may not be right for everyone. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the VenaSeal Closure procedure. All patients should consult their doctor to determine if their conditions present any special risks. Dr. Forman will review potential complications of the procedure in advance of performing the procedure.

The VenaSeal procedure is contraindicated for individuals with any of the following conditions:
-Thrombophlebitis migrans (i.e., inflammation of a vein caused by a slow moving clot)
- Acute superficial thrombophlebitis (i.e., inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot)
-Previous hypersensitivity reactions to the VenaSeal adhesive or cyanocrylates
-Acute sepsis (i.e., whole-body inflammation caused by an immune response to an infection)

Potential complications include, but are not limited to: pain, vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, paresthesia (numbness or tingling) and/or skin burn.

Only a physician call tell you if the procedure is a viable option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be easily and successfully treated using VenaSeal.

Only a very small amount of the VenaSeal adhesive is used to close the diseased vein. Your body will naturally absorb the adhesive over time.

The VenaSeal procedure uses an adhesive to close the superficial vein. Thermal energy procedures use heat to close the vein. The thermal requires the use of a numbing medicine, which is injected through many needle sticks. The injections may cause pain and some bruising after the procedure. The VenaSeal procedure only requires anesthetic at the the single insertion point of the catheter. The final results of both procedures are comparable.