Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is generally used to treat spider veins (smaller, non-bulging) and is sometimes used as an adjunct (in addition) to EVLT®. Underlying venous reflux (disease) must be treated prior to addressing the more cosmetic spider veins with sclerotherapy.

A sufficient volume and concentration of sclerosant (a chemical) is injected into the vein to cause irritation and damage to the vein wall, while diluting to non-toxic levels further away. Multiple sclerotherapy treatments are often necessary to achieve full clearance.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of saphenous veins has also been tried as an alternative to surgery and ablation (endovenous laser or radiofrequency). However, recurrence rates following this technique are high, complications have been significant, and long-term results do not equal surgery or endovenous ablation.