VenaSeal Glue for Varicose Veins: Exploring Procedure, Effectiveness, Benefits, Side Effects and Care

Varicose veins a common vascular condition affecting millions worldwide, have traditionally been treated with methods like surgical stripping, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However VenaSeal a cutting-edge minimally invasive treatment using medical glue has gained significant attention from patients and doctors. If you're considering this innovative treatment, this article explains everything you need to know about VenaSeal.

What Is VenaSeal Medical Glue?

VenaSeal also known as cyanoacrylate glue is a modern non-surgical treatment for closing varicose veins. This FDA-approved, safe glue is injected via a catheter into the affected vein sealing its walls and redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. Upon contact with blood and tissue, the glue solidifies, permanently closing the vein and forming fibrous tissue. Over time the body absorbs the sealed vein leaving no trace. VenaSeal is painless, requires no anesthesia and offers a quick recovery, allowing patients to resume daily activities almost immediately.

Applications of VenaSeal

VenaSeal has various applications depending on patient needs:

• Leg Varicose Veins

The most common use treating veins impaired by faulty valves or weak walls which cause blood pooling, swelling and symptoms like pain, heaviness or skin discoloration.

• Gastric Varicose Veins

Used to control bleeding from abnormally dilated stomach veins often in emergencies or alongside medications.

• Esophageal Varicose Veins

A dangerous condition caused by swollen esophageal veins due to high blood pressure, gastric issues or liver cirrhosis. VenaSeal prevents severe bleeding, serving as an alternative to sclerotherapy or banding (injecting sodium tetradecyl sulfate or ethanolamine).

Preparing for VenaSeal Treatment

Before undergoing VenaSeal, consider these steps:

• Consult a cardiovascular specialist to assess your condition and determine suitability.

• Undergo a Doppler ultrasound to map blood flow, locate varicose veins and evaluate severity.

• Review medical history for heart, liver, diabetes or drug allergies.

• Stop blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) days before treatment, as advised by your doctor to prevent bleeding.

• Conduct blood tests (CBC, coagulation, blood sugar, kidney/liver function, ECG) to ensure safety.

• Understand the procedure, including duration, injection process and post-treatment care.

• Wear loose clothing and ensure the treatment area is clean. No anesthesia, hospitalization or compression bandages are needed.

VenaSeal Treatment Procedure

Performed outpatient in a clinic the VenaSeal procedure includes:

1. Preparation and Mapping: A Doppler ultrasound identifies varicose veins and the doctor marks the target vein. Only local anesthesia at the catheter entry point is used, unlike EVLT or RFA which require extensive numbing.

2. Catheter Insertion: A fine needle introduces a catheter into the vein under ultrasound guidance for precision.

3. Glue Injection: A syringe of VenaSeal glue is attached to the catheter. The doctor injects small amounts of glue along the vein, pressing each site to seal the walls.

4. Vein Compression: The process continues until the entire vein is sealed, redirecting blood to healthy veins. The glue remains safely in the body, covered by fibrous tissue.

5. Catheter Removal and Bandaging: The catheter is removed and the entry site is covered with a small bandage, requiring no stitches.

6. Final Ultrasound: An immediate ultrasound confirms complete vein closure. Patients are monitored for ~30 minutes before discharge.

Post-VenaSeal Treatment Care

Proper care ensures lasting results and minimizes complications:

• Light Activities: Unlike surgery, no prolonged rest is needed. Patients can resume normal activities the same day. Light walking promotes circulation, but avoid prolonged standing or sitting in the first few days.

• Compression Stockings: Often unnecessary, unlike EVLT or RFA but follow your doctor’s advice.

• Catheter Site Care: Keep the entry site dry for 24 hours. Short showers are fine afterward.

• Avoid Heavy Exercise: Start light activities like walking immediately but delay strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. Gentle aerobics (e.g., swimming) are usually allowed after 1 week.

• Avoid Hot Baths/Saunas: Refrain from hot baths, saunas or jacuzzis for at least 1 week.

• Avoid Heavy Lifting: Do not lift heavy objects for 48-72 hours.

• Travel Restrictions: Avoid long trips after varicose vein treatment, especially flights over 3 hours, for 2-4 weeks unless approved by your doctor. Move legs hourly during travel to reduce clotting risks.

• Follow-Up: A Doppler ultrasound 1 week post-treatment confirms vein closure. Additional visits may occur at 1 and 3 months.

• Warning Signs: Contact your doctor immediately for severe pain, excessive swelling, redness or discharge at the catheter site, warmth, fever, shortness of breath or sudden chest pain (rare).

Ideal Candidates for VenaSeal

VenaSeal is suitable for:

• Patients with leg varicose veins experiencing pain, swelling, heaviness or visible veins.

• Those avoiding surgery or anesthesia.

• Elderly or high-risk patients unable to tolerate surgery.

• Patients with esophageal or gastric varicose veins to prevent bleeding.

• Individuals unable to wear compression stockings due to job or skin issues.

• Those prioritizing leg aesthetics as VenaSeal leaves no scars.

Benefits of VenaSeal

• Non-surgical, no anesthesia.

• Short procedure (15-30 minutes).

• Minimal pain and bruising.

• Quick return to daily activities.

• Often no need for compression stockings.

• Suitable for high-risk or elderly patients.

• Immediate, visible results.

• Lower costs compared to surgery.

• High effectiveness.

Side effects of glue Treatment for Varicose Veins

Though safe, rare side effects include:

• Temporary inflammation, bruising, tightness or sensitivity at the injection site.

• Allergic reaction to glue (very rare).

• Blood clotting in complex cases.

• Treatment failure in highly complex veins.

• Need for additional treatments.

• Temporary skin discoloration.

• Burning or warmth at the treatment site.

• Localized spider veins (temporary).

Effectiveness of VenaSeal

Clinical studies and patient experiences highlight VenaSeal’s transformative impact:

• Immediate relief from pain, heaviness, swelling and fatigue.

• Reduced or eliminated bulging veins, improving leg appearance.

• Prevention of complications like ulcers, skin discoloration, clotting or vein inflammation.

• Enhanced mobility for walking, exercising and daily activities.

• Minimal restrictions compared to EVLT or surgery, with no prolonged compression stocking use.

• High success rates with stable vein closure and low recurrence.

We have experienced more than 80 cases with the VenaSeal system, and we are also injecting additional glue in areas with large diameters or with a perforating vein. According to our previous experiences, this manner showed satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusion

VenaSeal medical glue revolutionizes varicose vein treatment with minimal pain, quick recovery and fewer complications. However choosing the best treatment requires a Doppler ultrasound and consultation with a varicose vein specialist as success depends on individual health and condition severity.

FAQs

What is VenaSeal glue made of? Is it safe?

VenaSeal is designed for vascular use and has been used in surgeries (e.g., wound closure) for years. FDA and CE approved, it is absorbed safely by the body.

Does the glue stay or move in the vein?

The glue solidifies immediately upon injection, staying fixed. The risk of movement (e.g., embolism) is extremely rare with high safety confirmed in studies.

How painful is VenaSeal treatment?

Pain is significantly less than EVLT or RFA limited to a small needle prick for local anesthesia at the catheter site.

Is compression stocking use required after VenaSeal?

In most cases no, a major advantage. Doctors may recommend them briefly or not at all depending on your condition.

How soon can I return to work after VenaSeal?

Immediately or within 24 hours with most light activities (walking, driving) allowed.

Is VenaSeal permanent? How likely is recurrence?

The treatment is permanent for the treated vein but varicose veins are progressive, and new veins may develop.

How does VenaSeal cost compare to laser?

VenaSeal is typically more expensive due to the glue and catheter costs but many prefer it for less pain and faster recovery.

Can everyone use VenaSeal?

Not suitable for those allergic to cyanoacrylate or with highly complex veins. A specialist’s ultrasound-based diagnosis is essential.