Venaseal Closure System

Venaseal is an advanced technique to treat varicose veins, the problematic veins are infused with a specially developed glue.

When you are reading this article, it is a safe assumption to make that you are searching for best treatment options for someone suffering from Varicose Veins.

This article aims to provide you unbiased information on one of the latest Varicose Vein treatment options – Venaseal Closure System. After reading this article you will not only have knowledge about Venaseal but also know right questions to ask your treating doctor, if its suitable for you.

Varicose Vein is a medical condition of veins in which the normal functioning of some veins (mostly in legs) is affected resulting in obstruction of blood flow to the heart. This results in blood pooling up in the veins making them bulging, swollen, discoloured, weak and painful.

All the treatment options for varicose veins, from historically used surgical method of vein stripping to the most successful modern minimally invasive Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)/Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA), aim to make the diseased veins redundant by removing (surgical) or closing them via various techniques and routing the blood flow via other veins.

Venaseal is also one of the non-surgical techniques like EVLT/RFA where in the diseased veins are closed via a minimally invasive approach.

Is there no requirement of Compression Stockings after Venaseal Procedure?
While it is claimed that use of stockings is not required, it is not the actual scenario. Most patients will need use of compression stockings as required.

How does Venaseal Closure System Works

In this technique, the problematic veins are infused with a specially developed glue. It is followed up with external pressure on the affected area to allow vein walls to compress and stick thus making the diseased vein redundant and forcing the blood flow through system of good veins. The above video shows the working in simple manner.

It is a non-surgical approach and is performed on out patient basis i.e. patient need not be admitted for the same in hospital.

What are the benefits of Venaseal over other minimally invasive treatment options?

While most benefits of Venaseal are similar to other minimally invasive options like EVLT, it does have added advantages like

  • No requirement of local anesthesia
  • Even lower full recovery period.

Though one should note that the recovery period with other options are also very low so this advantage is more a relative comparison than actual measurable benefit to the patient.

However, it should be noted that all techniques have their benefits and drawbacks. In medicine, one should know the potential disadvantages of any treatment option.

Are there any disadvantages of the Venaseal Closure System?

As said earlier, all medical techniques have advantages and disadvantages.

  • Truly speaking the biggest disadvantage for Venaseal is the relative short duration this system is been available and actually used for patient treatment. The efficacy & safety of the Venaseal over long term and as an effective technique over established treatments like EVLT is questionable due to lack of credible long-term studies, though it is among the few US-FDA approved treatment system.
  • Expensive: Its Expensive. Though not a medical disadvantage, Venaseal is very expensive compared to alternate effective treatments like EVLT & RFA.
  • Not covered by insurance: The technique is currently not covered under medical insurance policies and hence the treatment cost is to be fully borne by the patient.

Is Venaseal Closure System suitable for all patients?

No. Venaseal Closure System is currently not adopted for treatment of all patients and patient has to be evaluated for its application. Some conditions wherein Venaseal is currently not being recommended are:

  • Pediatric Patients & Pregnant Women Patients
  • Acute Superficial Thrombophlebitis
  • Thrombophlebitis Migrans
  • Existence of Acute Sepsis
  • Hypersensitivity towards cyanoacrylates

There are several risks associated with Venaseal as identified by US FDA. Some of them are:

  • Allergic reactions to cyanoacrylates, such as hives, asthma, hay fever and anaphylactic shock
  • Arteriovenous fistula
  • Bleeding from the site of access
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Edema in the treated leg
  • Embolization, including pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Hematoma
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Infection at the access site
  • Non-specific mild inflammation of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue
  • Paresthesia
  • Phlebitis
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis
  • Urticaria or ulceration may occur at the site of injection
  • Vascular rupture and perforation

Do discuss your case with interventional radiologist in detail to evaluate suitability and affordability of Venaseal Closure System as treatment option.