At a Glance
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy treats the deeply rooted sources of reflux that cause surface varicosities and spiders. Ultrasound is used to guide the physician quickly and precisely to the reflux location. Desired results will likely be achieved within two months. Side effects and risks are minimal.
The Procedure
All diseased veins, from varicose to spider, are caused by the abnormal leakage of blood through faulty valves located inside veins. Over time, this abnormal leakage of blood, also called reflux, causes veins visible on the skin surface to dilate and become varicose or spider veins. Conventional sclerotherapy uses FDA-approved drugs to close off undesired veins that are the source of this leakage.
However, some sources of reflux are too deep to be reached by a surface injection. Using advanced ultrasound and injection techniques, Dr. Hyde is able to diagnose and treat the deeper sources of reflux that cause surface varicose veins and spiders. Once the root cause has been identified and treated, the varicose and spider veins caused by the leakage will disappear.
This procedure is quick, lasting from 15 minutes to an hour, and minimally-invasive. The use of ultrasound allows for excellent precision as the physician injects sclerosing solution into the deep venous reflux. Many sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is used to treat the deep venous reflux causing surface varicosities and spiders. Once the source of the reflux is located and satisfactorily treated, the resulting diseased veins will disappear. While the procedure treats the underlying cause of varicose veins and spiders, it cannot prevent future vein problems from surfacing due to new reflux sources.
Am I a Candidate?
Candidates for ultrasound guided sclerotherapy have medium to large varicose veins or spider veins and want to see them disappear. Patience is a prerequisite for the procedure, as the process can require many sessions. Veins will not immediately look better, and they will sometimes look worse initially, but after approximately two months your legs will look markedly clearer.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is indicated when the source of the patient’s reflux is not accessible by conventional sclerotherapy.
Recovery
Recovery from ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is similar to that of surface sclerotherapy. Most patients are able to move about immediately after the procedure and return to work and normal activity the same day. After surgery, the physician will obligate you to use compression bandages or stockings to aid in circulation. A short period of elevation may be required, but afterwards the patient should use regular walks or exercise to help promote vascular flow.
Blood clots and scabs will form on the inside of the treated vein as a result of the procedure. These scabs sometimes present themselves as bumps under the skin and then eventually tenderness and discoloration as the body works to break them down.
Potential Risks
This technique is much safer than surgical alternatives. Complications are rare in the hands of an experienced vein care specialist. Some side effects as a result of the injection are discoloration of the vein under the skin, bruising or inflammation at the injection site, and allergic reactions from ingredients in the solution. Matting can also occur, which is a phenomenon where your body forms lots of tiny blood vessels around the injection site. Matting will usually resolve on its own but sometimes requires additional injections to relieve.
S.B., Lafayette, CA
My large ugly varicose veins were gone with one treatment of foam sclerotherapy. I cried because I was so happy that my legs look normal again. I called Dr. Hyde because I was so excited with my results. He and his staff have been just lovely.
