Sclerotherapy At Cardiovascular Specialists Of South Florida
If you have been considering a minimally invasive, minimally risky procedure to take care of some of your cardiovascular health issues, then sclerotherapy is an excellent fit for you. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure whereby the doctor injects a sclerosant solution into the blood vessels or lymph vessels affected to shrink these vessels. The procedure includes injection and can be done within thirty minutes to one hour, depending on the mass of veins to be treated. It is also used to treat blood vessels that have developed incorrectly.
Sclerotherapy works by irritating the injected blood vessels and makes them get swollen. This swelling shuts off the flow of blood and lymphatic fluids from the vessels and connects them to other healthy vessels. The injected vessels collapse on themselves and shrink off with time.
In this article, you will learn all you need to know about sclerotherapy, the benefits of the treatment and also, its side effects.
What conditions does sclerotherapy treat?
Sclerotherapy is most frequently used to treat varicose veins (also known as chronic venous insufficiency). Varicose veins occur once the veins swell and bulge, typically in the legs. This is as a result of weak vein walls that, in turn, weaken the vein valves. Consequently, blood pools up the veins, causing them to swell and look different.
Varicose veins are usually painful and can cause skin problems, including rashes. By shrinking the veins, sclerotherapy decreases the effects of vein damage, making varicose veins less painful and less visible.
Sclerotherapy is also used to treat some other conditions, including:
Deformed lymph vessels: These are vessels that carry lymphatic fluid or lymph, which helps the immune system fight infections.
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels surrounding the rectum swell and become irritated, causing pain and making bowel movements uncomfortable. For the treatment of this condition, sclerotherapy is used in the absence of other options.
Hydroceles: This is a condition where there is an unhealthy development of fluid in a body cavity. Hydroceles are common in the testicles, and sclerotherapy is a viable option for treating them.
There have been numerous techniques for applying sclerotherapy throughout the ages. According to the National Institute of Health, some of the earliest recordings of attempts at sclerotherapy were recorded in the 17th century, even before the invention of the modern piston syringe. Modern sclerotherapy began in the first part of the 20th century with the techniques of Linser, Sicard, et al. Sclerotherapy was introduced to the United States in 1939 by McCausland, who reported an astounding series of 10,000 patients. Expectedly, advancement in research and development has expanded the frontiers of knowledge, and we at the cardiovascular Specialist of South Florida operate in line with the international best practices apply the best of this procedure.
Sclerotherapy, or more specifically, injection sclerotherapy, is an important primary and adjunctive therapy in the spectrum of care for superficial venous insufficiency. Since the invention of artificial sclerosants and the development of post sclerotherapy compression therapies in the 40s and 50s, injection sclerotherapy has assumed a massive role in treating blood vessel insufficiency, specifically within the treatment of smaller veins like the telangiectasias and spider veins. Other treatment procedures for cardiovascular conditions include radiofrequency, laser ablation and surgery or a combination of these. Sclerosants are often divided into three broad categories—osmotic agents, detergents, and irritant/corrosives. Foam sclerotherapy involves creating tiny volumes of metallic element tetradecyl sulfate into foam by fast intermixture and agitation with small air volume. This could then be applied to treat a number of the larger underlying abnormal veins, which might not ordinarily be treated with standard sclerotherapy. Within a few weeks, the veins usually fade. For stubborn veins, subsequent treatments may be necessary.
How is the Sclerotherapy procedure applied?
A sclerotherapy procedure may take at least one-and-a-half hours. Afterward, it would be best if you allowed extra time for walking around. The process includes:
- Marking of the site of injection on your legs while you stand.
- The surgeon gives you the injections while you are lying down.
- You put on compression bandages and stockings immediately after the injections. The applications are meant to be tight.
It would help if you then walked for about half an hour.
Ordinarily, the fine needle used for injecting should not cause a lot of pain, except for a slight pinprick sensation. It is possible to feel a burning sensation after the injection. This sensation disappears after a few seconds. If the defective vein isn’t visible to the attention, the doctor can use an ultrasound machine to guide the needle (echo sclerotherapy). This enables the doctor to see both normal and abnormal veins underneath the skin. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is best for people who suffer from varicose veins. These spider veins haven’t responded to standard injections, leg ulcers and other complications of varicose veins, such as pigmentation and eczema.
When to consider sclerotherapy?
Sometimes, it is unnecessary for people who suffer from conditions like spider veins or varicose veins to be treated with sclerotherapy. It is highly exigent for the patient to discuss their symptoms with their doctors to receive the most accurate treatment options.
Other treatments may be less expensive and less invasive. Some of the prescribed treatment options can include lifestyle changes, such as changing to a healthier diet and increased aerobic exercises.
However, if you are already diagnosed with spider veins, you should consider sclerotherapy when:
- You experience painful veins
- Your legs feel sore or feel heavy
- You have patchy or dry skin on their legs
- There is a rash near the veins
How To Prepare for Your Sclerotherapy?
Before you go for sclerotherapy, some preparations needed to be done. This would include a physical exam before the treatment. During this examination, your doctor will evaluate your veins, examine your body for pre-existing blood vessel diseases, any heart conditions and check out your blood clot history.
It is important to note that you should not shave the area around the affected vessels 24 hours prior to the treatment. You shouldn’t wear body lotion on the day of treatment.
To ascertain whether sclerotherapy is right for you, you should contact the Cardiovascular Center of South Florida for a quick appointment. We have some of the best-trained hands and efficiently deliver the best healthcare value to you when taking great care of yourself and your health, especially on cardiovascular health challenges.
Risks of sclerotherapy
The risk associated with Sclerotherapy treatment are relatively few, but there are temporary side effects. The most predominant side-effects of sclerotherapy include bruising, redness, and pain near the injected vein. Some 35% of the population complain of slight discomforts on the small branches of blood vessels around the injected vein. After some 3-5 weeks, the vessels usually disappear on their own. Other side effects include;
Air Bubbles: As a result of the use of piston syringes, air bubbles may also get into the bloodstream. This may result in changes or blurriness of the vision, migraines, and nausea.
Blood Clots: Rarely, there could be a blood clot in the injected vein. This could become life-threatening if it is left untreated. Also, the movement of blood clots can result in an embolism.
Severe Inflammation: Although mild swelling is common with sclerotherapy treatment, some people develop severe inflammation.
You should seek emergency treatment if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness after having sclerotherapy.
Conclusion
Sclerotherapy is typically a minor, non-invasive procedure to treat diseased veins. After sclerotherapy, the prognosis for patients is favorable since severe and permanent side effects are rare, and the process is proven to be effective.
If you are concerned about sclerotherapy’s risks and advantages or need more information, Schedule a consultation today at the cardiovascular specialist of South Florida.
