Varicofoam - Foam Sclerotherapy
What are Varicofoam Injections?
Varicofoam is a form of sclerotherapy used to remove varicose veins. It is commonly called Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy or UGFS. The latest name is endovenous chemical ablation (EVCA)
How does it work?
Using a special ultrasound machine (Duplex Scanner), Your Veincare doctor will identify the veins in the leg that have blood flowing in the wrong direction. With the use of local anaesthesia, A small needle is put into the affected vein and a small amount of a chemical called a sclerosant is injected. Before the injection, the chemical is mixed with air to form Varicofoam.
When the Varicofoam is inside the vein, it pushes the blood out of the way so that the sclerosant can treat the lining of the vein. Once treated, the vein is squashed using a combination of bandages and elasticated stockings.
How is Varicofoam different to standard surgery?
Firstly the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic so those people treated with the technique can get up and walk immediately without the side effects or worries of a general anaesthetic.
There are no cuts or stitches so the risks of infection and bruising are much less than standard surgery.
As there is no general anaesthetic, the procedure is much cheaper than traditional surgery.
Is Varicofoam all I need for my veins?
Varicofoam will remove the major superficial veins, including the Great and small saphenous veins as well as anterior thigh veins. It is, however, usually necessary to have any fine veins injected with another technique known as sclerotherapy.
What are the advantages of Varicofoam?
Apart from the lack of any cuts in the groin or on the leg, there is minimal bruising of the leg and people can return to normal activities straight after treatment?
What is the catch?
Those who are treated with varicofoam need to wear bandages and a stocking for 5 days and then a stocking for 2 weeks. This means it is difficult to have a shower or bath for the first week. Wrapping the bandaged leg in cling film or in a bin liner can allow showering without wetting the leg and bandages.