VenaSeal
The VenaSeal closure system is the only non-thermal, non-sclerosant procedure that uses a medical adhesive delivered inside the vein to close it. This unique approach eliminates the risk of nerve injury when treating the small saphenous vein, which is a risk sometimes associated with certain thermal-based procedures such as lasers and radiofrequency. The procedure is administered without the use of tumescent anesthesia, avoiding patient discomfort associated with multiple needle sticks. Another advantage is that you will not need to wear compression hose around the clock afterwards.
Almost anyone is a candidate for VenaSeal. You cannot have VenaSeal if you are allergic to the adhesive.
The VenaSeal device is inserted into the vein to be treated, and a medical adhesive is placed into the vein. This adhesive will seal the vein immediately as the device is slowly withdrawn.
You will only need one treatment to any vein that is being treated with VenaSeal. Over time, you may develop new veins that may need to be treated with VenaSeal. However, the veins treated with VenaSeal should ordinarily not need any further treatments!
General information:
- You can shower the night before or the day of your procedure, but do not apply lotions or oils to the leg being treated.
- Do not wear compression hose for two days prior to your procedure.
- For your first procedure, we highly recommend you bring a family member into the pre-op room to listen to the post-op instructions.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 48 hours prior to your procedure. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which may cause the vein to shrink and the procedure to have to be postponed.
The day before your procedure:
- Increase your water intake to avoid dehydration.
The day of your procedure:
- Bring your compression hose with you as we may apply it after the procedure.
- Drink 24 ounces of water in the morning.
- Do not drink any caffeine or smoke before your procedure.
- Wear loose fitting pants or shorts and slip-on shoes.
- Eat a light meal prior to coming to the office.
- Take all your daily medications. Do not stop taking any of your prescription medications unless advised to do so by our physician. Continue to take any blood thinning medicines unless we tell you to stop them.
Depending on the vein to be treated, the doctor may numb your skin with a tiny injection and place an IV catheter into the vein. Once the vein has been accessed, the device is inserted into the vein. The doctor will use an ultrasound to monitor the placement and progression of the VenaSeal device. In either case, you will not feel any pain as the VenaSeal adhesive is injected. You will feel the doctor holding pressure on the treated areas to assist in closing the vein.
After your procedure has finished, we will apply a light dressing or band-aid over the puncture site. You will be allowed to walk as much as you like, but heavy exercise such as running, weightlifting and CrossFit are not allowed for one week. There generally is little to no pain, but some bruising and swelling may occur. You should wear your compression hose if you have any leg swelling or discomfort. These minor issues will heal with time.
Once you have arrived for your treatment, the nurse will take you to the procedure room and answer any questions you may have. The doctor will then come in and you may ask any further questions. Your leg will then be cleansed, and the doctor will perform the procedure. It will generally take around 30 minutes to perform your procedure with VenaSeal. Veins treated with VenaSeal generally will not need to be treated again!
Most insurance companies will cover the VenaSeal procedure if you meet their medical criteria for treatment. Treatment criteria can include vessel reflux as determined by ultrasound, patient symptoms and/or compression therapy trial. Individual insurance companies may differ in their criteria for coverage of the treatments. Our staff will work with you through the insurance submission process to assist you in getting the treatments that are medically necessary. Our financial advisor will help you determine what your insurance coverage is and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
If you would like additional information, we offer a complimentary nurse consultation. During your personal consultation our nurses will go over all your treatment options and what you can expect before, during and after these treatments. They will also help you determine if vein disease is a possible cause for your symptoms. You can also meet with our financial advisor to determine insurance coverage.
If you are ready to begin treatment, you can schedule a physician evaluation. During your evaluation our doctor will perform a medical exam, go over symptoms, and examine areas of concern to determine a treatment plan. Based on this examination they will order a diagnostic ultrasound done in an accredited lab supervised by radiologists who specialize in these tests. After your initial consultation and ultrasound, our nurses will submit your information to your insurance company to determine coverage. You can again schedule an appointment with our financial advisor to help you determine what your portion of the payments will be.
If you are not able to have VenaSeal, other treatments may be available. At Genesis Laser & Vein Center, we have all the latest thermal and non-thermal techniques to treat vein disease and will tailor your treatment to the best available option. In addition to VenaSeal, we offer endovenous laser therapy and Varithena closures. Compression Therapy can reduce the symptoms of venous disease and assist in healing ulcers. Sclerotherapy may also be effective for the larger refluxing veins.
It is our mission at Genesis Laser & Vein to offer the best approved treatment options for vein disease to our clients. We will continue to keep up to date on the latest recommendations of care so that you have the best options available.
