Endovenous thermal ablations such as RFA and laser, which are the standard of care for treating superficial venous reflux, use heat to close nonfunctioning veins. Because of the heat generated by the laser or RF catheters, local anesthetic is needed. While local anesthetic is diluted so that it is not as painful, it still requires multiple needle pokes to inject the anesthetic. Non Tumescent, Non Thermal techniques such as VenaSeal only require the local anesthetic at the site of catheter insertion and are therefore truly “pain free” procedures.

Clinical studies have shown VenaSeal to be as effective as the Radiofrequency ablations, with 99% success rate at 3 months and a 97% success rate at 12 months.

During the procedure, the physician inserts a catheter into the diseased vein under ultrasound guidance and then tiny amounts of glue can be delivered through the catheter to seal the vein closed. The catheter is removed at the end of the procedure and a Band-Aid is placed over the puncture site. VenaSeal can be used to safely treat both legs in the same setting, as no local anesthetic is used and it is the only technique approved for use that does not require patients to wear compression stockings after the procedure. Patients can resume normal activity as soon as the procedure is complete. Side effects of VenaSeal are minor and infrequent. The most common side effect is phlebitis or inflammation of a vein.

VenaSeal is a great option for patients who don’t want to or are unable to wear compression stockings. It is the only ablation technique that is FDA approved for use without compression, While most insurances require a trial of compression prior to treatment, VenaSeal is the only treatment option where compression is not needed post-op. Finally, like the other non-tumescent, non-thermal techniques, VenaSeal is great for patients who are needle phobic.