Treatment Brief
What is foam sclerotherapy?
Normally STD is injected as a solution directly into the vein to be treated. Foam sclerotherapy involves making small volumes of the solution into foam by rapid mixing and agitation with a small volume of air. This can then be used to treat some of the larger underlying abnormal veins which would not normally be treated with conventional sclerotherapy.
This is performed under ultrasound control. The foam solution causes intense spasm of the vein and a greater volume can be injected without using too much of the STD solution.
Is foam better than conventional X?
The initial results with foam sclerotherapy are very promising and this method of treatment offers a possible alternative to surgery. However it should be emphasised that this is a new treatment and at present, the long term results are not yet known and it’s not possible to say how this treatment compares in terms of results with conventional surgery or sclerotherapy.
What happens after treatment?
You should keep the compression pads, bandage, and stocking on continuously for 5 days. After this you may remove the pads and bandage and then replace the stocking which should be worn for a further 7 days. During this 7 day period, you may remove the stocking to shower and you may remove it at night if you wish. If you find the stocking comfortable and wish to wear it for longer, this may be helpful. Please bring your stocking back with you to your next visit as it may be possible to reuse it if you have further injections.
You should do plenty of walking and may generally do most normal activities without any problem. If in doubt ask your doctor.
You can be active as usual after the treatment and do not need to avoid anything in particular. However you should not drive on the day the procedure is performed, just in case you experience any visual disturbances (see below).
Flow
Advantage
Compatible with Imaging
Another unique benefit of foam sclerotherapy is the physical makeup of the foam sclerant. The difference in density when compared to blood allows for the sclerant to be detected using different types of imaging.
This can help our better evaluate how effective the sclerant is in facilitating a clot. Ultrasonic imaging can help determine how effective the sclerant is. This can expedite the process of treating your veins if additional treatments are needed.
