VenaBlock

VenaBlock is used to treat varicosities in which medical adhesive is inserted into the damaged leg veins with the help of ultrasounds. It is not a heat-based procedure like radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser. So, there is no risk of skin burn or nerve damage caused by medical adhesive VenaBlock.

Treatment

To treat varicosities, VenaBlock is used in two following different veins:

• Perforator veins
• Saphenous veins

In VenaBlock, little quantity of glue, such as approximately 0.1 milliliters to 0.2 milliliters, is used. It is inserted into the perforated veins using ultrasound to guide the position of the veins. It immediately blocks the damaged vein and the abnormal blood flowing from the superficial varicosities. With the help of sclerotherapy and thermal ablation, it gives the best result to the patient.   

The procedure of VenaBlock

The procedure includes treating perforator veins and saphenous veins as follows:

• Treatment of Perforator veins: Two systems of veins (the deep vein system and the surface veins of limbs) are connected with the perforator veins. The healthy perforated veins connect superficial veins to deeper veins and return the deoxygenated blood to the heart. When the valves of perforator veins are damaged, blood can leak backward and create varicosities in superficial veins.

During the procedure of VenaBlock

• The VenaBlock uses duplex ultrasound to determine the position of defected perforator veins.
• Anesthesia is given to the patient on the damaged veins.
• A small amount of medical adhesive glue, usually 1mililiter, is injected into the syringe.
• Then the glue is inserted into the perforator veins. 
• Pressure is applied to the veins with the help of ultrasound probes.
• It seals off the damaged veins completely.
• It also prevents the blood flow towards the surface varicosities.
• After confirming fully sealed veins, the vein specialists do sclerotherapy of the varicosities.
• Patients can return to their normal activities and walk immediately after the procedure of VenaBlock.
• The veins become hard and absorbed by the body after some time.

 Treatment of saphenous veins

• In the past, vein specialists used several other treatments for sealing varicose veins, such as endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency laser, and sclerotherapy. Passing laser into the damaged veins is very difficult due to the greater risk of damaging veins, nerves, arteries, skin, and muscles. 

During the procedure of VenaBlock

•  The VenaBlock uses duplex ultrasound to guide the position of damaged veins.
• A little dosage of anesthesia is given to the patient to treat damaged veins.
• A catheter is inserted in the patient’s damaged vein using ultrasound guidance.
• Medical adhesive glue is inserted into the veins.
• An ultrasound probe puts pressure on the damaged veins.
• It seals off the perforator veins completely.
• The catheter is removed when the vein becomes sealed off.
• A bandage is applied to the treated veins.
• After the procedure, there is no need to wear compression socks and bandages.
• After some time, the veins become hard and absorbed by the body.

Features of VenaBloc

The features of VenaBlock are as follows:

• This procedure is performed in outpatient conditions.
• It is a short-term procedure.
• It is a non-tumescent procedure.
• It does not cause any skin burn or pigmentation of the skin. 
• No numbness or lesions occur in the skin.
• It does not require any prolonged bed rest.
• It is a very comfortable treatment.
• It is a painless treatment.
• It does not cause any thermal effect.
• The medical adhesive is very safe.
• It does not require any special care.

Side effects of VenaBlock: The side effects of VenaBlock are as follows:

• Allergic reactions in some patients.
• Bleeding from the veins.
• Deep vein thrombosis.
• Edema in treated legs.
• Hematoma in some patients.
• Severe infection in the treated area.
• Inflammation of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues
• Pain in some patients.
• Phlebitis in rare cases.
• Vascular rupture and perforation.
• Acute superficial and migratory thrombophlebitis.
• Severe sepsis in some patients.

Advantages of VenaBlock

• This procedure does not require the patient to stay in a hospital.
• It does not require tumescent anesthesia on the damaged veins.
• It causes little discomfort to the patient.
• The patient can return to regular activity immediately after the treatment.
• This procedure needs a short time.
• It does not require compression stockings and socks after the process.
• It does not cause pigmentation of the skin.

Disadvantages of VenaBlock

• It causes inflammation in treated veins.
• It requires anti-inflammatory medications.
• This procedure is similar to the endovenous laser treatment.
• It is a very costly treatment.
• Medicare does not cover it.

What to do before the VenaBlock treatment? 

• Do not take any extra medications without consulting the doctor.
• Try to avoid shaving your legs immediately before the treatment.
• Try to avoid applying moisturizer on your legs before the treatment.
• Wear a loose and comfortable dress.
• Wear comfortable pair of walking shoes.

What to do after the VenaBlock Treatment?

• The vein specialist suggests you walk for ten minutes immediately after the treatment.
• If you do not feel any hesitation in your walk, they will be allowed you to go home.
• If you feel any problem, immediately consult your specialist.
• Try to walk ten to fifteen minutes every day.
• Within forty-eight hours, continue your physical activities.
• Avoid standing for a long time.
• Try to avoid continuous travel.
• After every two weeks, an ultrasound is required for the patient to maintain the result.

Results of VenaBlock

• It shows very beneficial effects on the patient.
• It gives fast recovery to the patient than thermal ablation.
• It results in less pain or inflammation in the veins.
• It does not require a high dosage of anesthesia.
• It immediately cures the damaged veins.

References:

• https://www.veinhealth.com.au/venablock/
• https://invamed.com/product/venablock-varicose-vein-closure-system
• https://koronamed.com/en/varikoz/likuvannya-varikozu-biokleyami-venablock-i-venaseal