What can you do for varicose veins? Several treatments exist to get rid of these veins. These include Sclerotherapy, Laser ablation, Duplex ultrasound, and Radiofrequency ablation. Let’s discuss these treatments in detail. Which one is right for you? Find out the pros and cons of each type of treatment and decide which is right for you. In the end, you’ll be glad you chose to treat your varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
The sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatment Australia involves the injection of a sclerosing agent, either foam or liquid. The sclerosing agent, sodium tetradecyl sulphate, collapses the walls of the veins and prevents blood flow. Patients have typically prescribed compression stockings after the procedure to keep the veins in place and prevent the varicosities’ recurrence.
Patients can choose either a sclerotherapy or laser vein removal procedure to treat their varicose veins. Both are effective and minimally invasive. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Laser vein removal is the preferred option for most patients. Sclerotherapy is safe and effective, while laser vein removal is a more permanent solution. Neither method is complete without risks or side effects.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is another option for treating varicose veins. The procedure involves the injection of a foamed sclerosing agent through a catheter into the vein for therapeutic use. The catheter is designed to permanently block blood flow in the targeted vein segment. However, this procedure has not been evaluated in peer-reviewed literature. For this reason, it is still considered an investigational treatment.
Radiofrequency ablation
The procedure can cause swelling and bruising, but it’s generally not painful. Most patients report that the procedure is as effective as a tummy tuck, and the process is not painful or time-consuming. Typically, patients can resume their normal activities after the procedure, although they are not advised to undergo strenuous activity for at least two weeks. Patients should also avoid lengthy car trips or flights and should not sit for long periods. Patients should also avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks, and it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Duplex ultrasound
One of the most important steps in managing varicose veins is the accurate diagnosis and selection of appropriate varicose vein treatment Australia. In addition, the use of duplex ultrasound in assessing venous disease in the lower limbs is gaining ground as a reference standard. In this regard, the Union Internationale de Phlebology (UIP) initiative aimed to create a consensus among international experts on the terminology and definitions of the procedure. To this end, a small group of invited experts was invited to submit written contributions and literature references to produce a draft document for the committee’s consideration. The draft document was then circulated to a larger group of experts, and the authors revised it accordingly until all participants agreed on the final version.
As the only investigation required for diagnosing and treating varicose veins, the duplex ultrasound scan is an excellent choice for determining the root cause of your problem. This imaging technique helps physicians map the anatomy of the leg veins, which may be hidden beneath the surface. Because it allows visualisation and measurement of blood flow, the procedure may be able to identify a vein with an incompetent valve.
Laser ablation
The procedure requires a small incision in the patient’s skin. Next, a catheter is inserted into the affected vein and guided through it. A fibre or electrode is then placed at the tip of the catheter. The physician will then carefully guide the catheter through the vein until the tip is exposed. Next, a local anesthetic will be injected around the abnormal vein. The energy is then applied to the vein, and the patient may return to normal activities immediately. A patient may experience minor soreness or bruising following the procedure, but this is temporary and can be easily treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.