Sclerotherapy

Everything you need to know about venous thrombolysis and thrombectomy.

WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used at Allegheny Vein and Vascular to eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant solution into the affected vein which irritates the lining of the blood vessel. This irritation causes the vein to spasm and clot until it collapses. This type of clotting is not dangerous like blood clots normally would be — it is quickly broken down by the body and the varicose vein disappears soon after. Tiny “spider” veins can also be treated with sclerotherapy using very small needles.

HOW IS SCLEROTHERAPY PERFORMED AT AVV?

Sclerotherapy is performed as an outpatient procedure at Allegheny Vein and Vascular. Dr. Tahara injects salt solution (sclerosant) through a very fine needle directly into the vein. At this point, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping for a minute or two, particularly when larger veins are injected, but it will pass. The procedure does not take long — about 15 to 30 minutes.

The number of veins injected in one session may vary and depends on the location and size of the varicose veins, as well as the medical condition of the patient.

PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE

VenaSeal varicose vein treatment is an outpatient procedure we regularly perform at Allegheny Vein and Vascular and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. The entire treatment — from preparation through treatment and recovery — may take up to 3 hours.

Dr. Tahara will provide you with detailed instructions about how to prepare for the procedure during your initial evaluation. Dr. Tahara also explores your medical history during pre-op evaluation, including inquiries about recent illnesses, existing medical conditions, and any allergies you have or medications you’re taking. He will carefully explain how you should manage your regular medications, food, and drink just prior to the procedure. As a typical example, you may be told not to eat or drink anything several hours before arrival. You may also be asked to wear loose and comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

The Allegheny Vein and Vascular nursing staff will call you about 24 hours after your procedure to check up on you. Typically, the patient will also come in for a followup visit with Dr. Tahara about a week after the procedure is completed. From there on out, you will be scheduled for office visits and duplex ultrasound appointments as necessary.

IMPORTANT: It is vital that patients keep their followup appointments. The reason for this is that vascular disease is not something that just goes away. It is a process that continues, even after any necessary procedures have been performed. Regular monitoring of your condition will be required in order to help you realize your best possible outcome for the long term.

ALL THINGS VASCULAR

A great place to learn about all things vascular.

Take time to learn about the vascular system and how it functions.

Learn about venous and arterial vascular conditions that affect the body.

Explore treatments & procedures offered through Allegheny Vein & Vascular.

Learn about the examinations and testing protocols vascular patients receive.