Treatments Dr Mcconnell provides
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
What is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (USGS)?
Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) is a highly effective procedure to treat small varicose veins and spider veins. It is commonly performed in conjunction with endovenous ablation procedures.
After consulting with a vein specialist and determining that sclerotherapy is the best treatment choice for your varicose or spider veins, you may be asking, “What happens next?”
What is the procedure for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (USGS)?
Sclerotherapy is performed in rooms at one of Dr Ryan McConnell’s clinic locations. It is a relatively quick procedure, taking only around 30 minutes. Sclerotherapy usually doesn’t involve the use of anaesthesia. However, a numbing gel can be administered to the treatment area 30 minutes before the procedure should patients request it.
Under ultrasound guidance, a solution (sclerosant) mixed with gas is injected into the diseased vein. The solution irritates the inner lining of the wall of the treated vein causing it to collapse and shut down. Over time, the treated vein will be resorbed by the body.
Step 1
Under ultrasound guidance, a solution (sclerosant) mixed with gas is injected into the diseased vein.
Step 2
The solution causes the inner lining of the treated vein wall to become inflamed.
Step 3
The solution causes the inner lining of the treated vein wall to become inflamed.
Step 4
Over time with the aid of compression the vein fibroses and is sealed shut. Eventually the treated vein is resorbed by the body.
Aftercare
After the procedure, a compression stocking will be applied to the treated leg in order to ensure the treated veins remain collapsed. You will be required to wear this compression stocking for 2 weeks post-treatment.
You will be advised to go for a 20-30 min walk after the procedure.
Regular walking in the weeks following the procedure is recommended, however, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 1 week post-procedure.
A follow-up appointment with your vein specialist, Dr McConnell will be organised to assess treatment progress.
Benefits of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
The following are a few of the many advantages of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy:
- Minimal pain: The procedure is performed with a very thin needle. The procedure is well tolerated.
- Short Recovery: Patients are able to return to normal activities immediately post-procedure.
- Minimally invasive: There are no incisions or nasty scars associated with UGFS.
- Safe Procedure
Risks associated with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
- Discomfort/tenderness and inflammation: You may experience minor discomfort and bruising at the sites of treated veins.
- Pigmentation: Along the path of treated veins, light-brown discolouration happens in roughly 25% of cases. This is related to how the skin absorbs the iron in the blood and typically disappears over time.
- DVT: Happens in just 1% of cases
- Persistent veins: Even when employing extremely high sclerosant concentrations, only a small percentage of individuals have veins that do not respond well to sclerotherapy.
- Extremely uncommon complications (<0.5% of cases): Anaphylaxis and Ulceration
Why choose Dr Ryan McConnell?
Dr McConnell provides a specialised, comprehensive vein service, performing the latest minimally invasive techniques. He will assess your condition and provide a tailored treatment plan to ensure you get the best result possible.
Contact Dr McConnell’s rooms on (02) 9023 9970 or via email at info@drryanmcconnell.com.au
Before and Afters
