Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Cleveland, Concord Township and Middlefield, OH
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS) is an office-based minimally-invasive procedure used to chemically ablate large branch veins. Ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy and/or Ambulatory Phlebectomy are procedures completed as part of a Continuum of Therapy approach to treat any varicose veins remaining after endovenous laser ablation.
With ultrasound guidance, an FDA cleared chemical agent, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), or polidocanol is precisely injected into veins targeted for chemical ablation, usually as foam, to shrink and collapse them. This technique requires precision and expertise. The advantages of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy are no scarring, effective shrinkage and collapse of chemically ablated varicose veins, and a powerful adjunctive tool for eliminating residual collateral varicose veins remaining after endovenous laser ablation.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AP) involves the surgical removal of surface varicose veins using a special local anesthetic called tumescent. It numbs the area very quickly. Then tiny, 1 mm incisions are made to gently remove the bulging veins. The incisions are so small that no stitches are required. Since veins are very collapsible, even large varicose veins may be removed through the tiny incisions using this technique. In general, ambulatory phlebectomy does not fix the root or cause of the underlying vein problem. AP is an office-based procedure done in conjunction with or after endovenous laser ablation as part of a Continuum of Therapy approach to treat any varicose veins remaining after endovenous laser ablation. Since visible surface veins are surgically removed, the results are usually immediate, and recurrence is unlikely. Following an AP procedure, a compression stocking is worn for 1 week. We ask you to take it easy for 24 hours then you can resume normal activities on the third day. Wait 1 week before resuming heavy exercise and 2 weeks before swimming or using a hot tub.
