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Varithena® (Polidocanol Injectable Foam): A Revolution in Vein Treatment

The medical world is constantly evolving, with newer, more efficient treatments emerging to tackle age-old problems. One such breakthrough in the realm of vein treatments is Varithena® — a cutting-edge solution specifically designed to treat varicose veins. In this article, we delve deep into the world of Varithena®, shedding light on its workings, benefits, and what patients can expect from this treatment.

What is Varithena®?

Varithena® is a prescription medicine known as Polidocanol Injectable Foam. It’s used to treat varicose veins caused by problems with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other related veins in the leg’s superficial venous system. Unlike traditional treatments, Varithena® doesn’t require any incisions or general anesthesia and addresses both the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins.

How Does It Work?

Varithena® works by improving the symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins, and the appearance of varicose veins. The foam is injected into the malfunctioning vein, causing the vein to collapse. Over time, the body naturally reroutes blood to healthier veins, allowing the treated vein to be absorbed into surrounding tissue and eventually fade away.

Benefits of Varithena®

  • Minimally Invasive: One of the major advantages of Varithena® is that it’s a non-surgical procedure. This means shorter recovery times and less discomfort post-treatment.
  • Efficient: The treatment session is typically short, often completed within an hour. This makes it convenient for patients leading busy lives.
  • Addresses Both Symptoms and Appearance: Not only does Varithena® alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins, but it also improves the aesthetic appearance of the veins, giving patients the confidence to flaunt their legs again.
  • Reduced Complications: As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks involved. However, Varithena® boasts a lower risk profile compared to more invasive treatments.

 

What to Expect During the Procedure?

Patients can expect the procedure to be relatively straightforward. After an initial consultation and diagnosis, the affected area will be marked. The foam is then injected into the problematic vein under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The number of injections will depend on the size and location of the vein being treated. After the procedure, patients may be advised to wear compression stockings to aid recovery.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Post-treatment care is minimal with Varithena®. Patients can usually resume normal activities the same day but might be advised to avoid heavy exercise for a few days. Some might experience minor side effects such as pain, swelling, or skin discoloration at the injection site, but these tend to be temporary and resolve on their own.

Varithena® (Polidocanol Injectable Foam) represents a significant advancement in the treatment of varicose veins. With its combination of efficiency, minimal invasiveness, and aesthetic benefits, it offers a compelling option for those seeking relief from varicose veins. Consult with your vein specialists to determine if Varithena® is the right treatment for you.

Further Reading:

Boston Scientific: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/vein-ablation/varithena.html

Varithena: https://www.varithena.com/en-us-hcp/how-it-works.html

Varithena

Varithena®

Louisiana Heart & Vascular Institute Vein Care Centers

Varithena® (polidocanol injectable foam) is a prescription medicine used to treat varicose veins caused by problems with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other related veins in the leg’s GSV system. Farhad Aduli, MD, FACC, an interventional cardiologist at Louisiana Heart & Vascular Institute Vein Care Centers in Covington, Louisiana, can treat varicose veins with this FDA-approved medication. Call today for a consultation.
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Varithena Q&A

What is Varithena?

Varithena polidocinal injectable foam 1% is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat varicose veins caused by problems with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other related veins in the leg’s GSV system. Varithena improves symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins, and the appearance of varicose veins.

How does Varithena work?

  • The physician administers a small amount of Varithena.
  • The microfoam fills and treats the desired section of the vein.
  • The diseased vein collapses and the foam is diluted in the bloodstream and flushed out.

How is blood flow affected?

When the malfunctioning vein collapses, blood flow shifts to healthier veins nearby.

What is treatment like?

Treatment with Varithena is minimally invasive and nonsurgical (no incisions required). Other kinds of varicose vein therapies may require many needle sticks. But with Varithena, treatment is usually just one or two needle sticks and is nearly painless. Patients reporting pain at the injection or application site in clinical trials was 4.0%.

How fast is the treatment?

It usually takes less than an hour to get the treatment.

How soon can I get back to my normal activities?

Most people may resume normal activities the same day as treatment. You should avoid heavy exercise for one week. Keep post-treatment bandages dry and in place for 48 hours, and wear compression stockings on the treated leg for two weeks. For a month, you should walk at least 10 minutes a day and avoid long stretches of inactivity.

How many treatments might I need?

Most people only need a single treatment. Additional treatment may be needed, depending on the number and size of veins being treated.

Will my insurance cover treatment?

Varithena is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. Coverage may depend on the severity of your varicose veins and symptoms. Your physician’s office may be able to help you understand your coverage.

Is Varithena effective?

In clinical studies, the majority of patients treated with Varithena experienced improvements in symptoms: heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing and itching after just one treatment. The clinical studies also found that the majority of patients experienced improvement in vein appearance in assessments by both patients and physicians.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects are leg pain or discomfort, injection site bruising or pain, and potentially serious blood clots in the leg veins. These are not all of the possible side effects of Varithena. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.