When veins become damaged due to age, or injury, or sitting for long periods, venous insufficiency may manifest itself. Veins pump blood through the legs and return it to the heart in a healthy cardiovascular system. But venous insufficiency occurs when the valves of the vein cease to function correctly. Blood pools in the legs, causing all sorts of conditions, including spider veins, varicose veins, and even life-threatening deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
One of the new advances in the treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins is the use of adhesives to close off dilated or malfunctioning veins. Approved by the FDA in 2015, VenaSeal is a novel technique where a sterile surgical adhesive similar to super glue is used in small droplets to close the vein. Unlike super glue, of course, the adhesive used in the VenaSeal treatment flexes and functions within the body without stiffness or tightness.
To correct venous insufficiency, our doctors at Heart of Dixie use a unique and state-of-the-art tool to seal off the injured veins and reroute proper blood flow to working veins. This tool is called VenaSeal: a catheter and pump system that closes off the offending vein with a tiny application of medically approved adhesive.
For more information regarding the technology used at Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center visit www.medtronicendovenous.com.
For those that are nervous about needles and the idea of fixing a vein from the inside, there is little to fear. The VenaSeal closure procedure improves blood flow by sealing or closing the diseased vein, leaving you with little-to-no downtime and no need to wear compression stockings afterward. The procedure is actually very simple and near painless.
In the VenaSeal procedure, there is no need for multiple needle sticks. Instead, the vein is accessed with a single needle, and the catheter is properly placed under ultrasound guidance. Once in position, the system delivers a small amount of specially formulated medical adhesive to the inside of the diseased vein. During the procedure, you may experience the sensation of tugging as the application of adhesive is accomplished, and the application tube is pulled back towards the catheter. With enough adhesive applied, pressure is then applied to the area for a few minutes. The adhesive is allowed to polymerize, sealing the vein. Blood then naturally routes through nearby healthy veins.
The procedure can be done within an hour with a minimal anesthetic. The results become apparent within only a matter of weeks thanks to the fast-acting adhesive.
Some other advantages of VenaSeal include:
Since the technology was invented, over 100,000 patients all over the world have been treated with the VenaSeal system.
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