A Guide To Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Have you heard of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy? It’s one of the most effective medical treatments employed for varicose and superficial (spider) veins by vascular physician in Orlando, Dr. Horowitz, and the staff at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center, home to Orlando’s top vein specialists.

The Evolution Sclerotherapy

First, a bit of background: sclerotherapy is a well-regarded procedure that actually has been in use since the 1930s. It’s a needle-based technology to remove medium and large veins after a saphenous closure of the vein has been achieved. The process has evolved and medical professionals today use a sclerosant foam that is injected into the vein to causes it to shrink, collapse, and ultimately, disappear. Don’t worry; the body then absorbs the vein with minimal discomfort and no scarring.

The other aspect that has evolved is that the doctor uses ultrasound technology as a guide in locating the exact injection spots, making the treatment quick and highly effective. This is in contrast to the archaic treatment of surgical stripping to eliminate varicose veins. With sclerotherapy, veins typically respond completely after only two or three treatments or so, making it an outstanding vein-treatment procedure that comes with exceptional long-term cosmetic results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?

Most people suffering from varicose and superficial veins are excellent candidates for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center. There are a few situations that may make another type of treatment more appropriate for you, though:

• You are not a good candidate for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy if you are pregnant.
• You may not be a good candidate for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy if you have had a blood clot in the past (the medical professionals at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center will discuss your particular history in this area and decide your eligibility on a case-by-case basis).
• You may not be a good candidate for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy if the particular varicose vein(s) for which you are seeking treatment are potentially usable for future heart bypass surgery (again, the medical professionals at Central Florida Vein & Vascular center will discuss your particular history in this area and decide your eligibility on a case-by-case basis).

What to Do Before Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

There isn’t a lot of prep required prior to sclerotherapy, but it is best to avoid certain medications. In your consultation at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center, they will talk to you about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, and even vitamins and dietary supplements. Remember not to apply sunscreen, moisturizers, or any other lotions prior to having the procedure.

It’s prudent to avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen (including Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin) or any other anti-inflammatory drugs for two to three days before the procedure, although acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe to take.

Contact Us Today

For more information on using this procedure for your varicose and superficial veins, or to schedule a consultative appointment with vascular physician in Orlando, Dr. Horowitz, contact Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center at 407-545-3385, or contact them online.