Foam Sclerotherapy (Varicofoam)
Foam Sclerotherapy: What is Foam Sclerotherapy? (Varicofoam)
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a substance (sclerosant) into the varicose veins which seals off the varicose veins, preventing blood flowing
through them. While this works fine for small veins, the sclerosant is inactivated by blood and does not work well for large veins.
Recently it has been discovered* that if the sclerosant is mixed with air to form foam, then it pushes the blood out of the vein. This makes
it much more effective at treating larger veins and makes it a more useful treatment.
The other difference between foam sclerotherapy and standard sclerotherapy is that an ultrasound scanner is used to observe the foam and check
that the entire vein is treated. This also helps to make it more effective. Once the vein has been treated, it is compressed using a combination
of bandages and elastic stockings. This is an important part of helping to seal off the vein.
What should I expect after foam sclerotherapy?
After treatment, you will need to wear bandages and a stocking for five days and then a stocking for two weeks. This means it is difficult to
have a shower or bath for the first week. Wrapping the bandaged leg in cling film or in a bin liner can allow showering without wetting the leg
and bandages.
After the treatment, it can take several months for the veins and bruising to disappear completely.
Some people, especially those with large varicose veins, can get pain in the area treated caused by phlebitis. This can be treated with
pain killers like Ibuprofen.
Are there any complications associated with Varicofoam?
All procedures carry some risks. The particular risks of Varicofoam are reactions to the injection which are very rare. It is possible that
blistering of the skin can occur. There is a risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), although this
risk is very small and there is also a DVT risk with standard surgery.
Transient visual disturbance has been reported as a very rare complication. In my opinion the major downside of foam sclerotherapy compared
with the VNUS and EVLT is that if plebitis occurs, it can take weeks or even months to settle down fully. Pigmentation of the skin (a brownish area)
can occur, and while it usually settles this too can take several months.
* Like so many “new” discoveries, this was recognised years ago but forgotten about. Actually it is a rediscovery.