Glue Treatment

Glue treatment is one of the newest and most innovative, nonthermal treatment for vein disease and varicose veins. Medical grade superglue is used to seal off the saphenous vein, which is the most common cause of varicose veins. This treatment is minimally invasive and boasts excellent success rates compared to other treatment options, with most patients describing only minimal discomfort. Unlike most other varicose vein treatments, it has a unique advantage in that the majority of patients do not have to wear a compression stocking after the treatment. Since inception of Canberra Vein Care, Dr Melanie Sung has been at the forefront of the use of minimally invasive means of vein treatment in ACT and find it an excellent adjunct technique in certain cases.

Glue ablation procedure involves the placement of a very small amount of a specially formulated medical super glue (cyanoacrylate), commonly known as VenaSeal, into the diseased vein through a small catheter. Once the affected vein is sealed or closed, blood is immediately re-routed through other healthy veins in the leg. Unlike other treatments, VenaSeal does not require a regional nerve block or large volumes of anaesthesia. Furthermore, there are no pre-procedures drugs involved and patients can return to their normal activities right after the treatment. Unlike heat-based procedures such as endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, with VenaSeal there is no risk of skin burns or nerve damage. VenaSeal does not require any immediate post-treatment pain medication or uncomfortable compression stockings.

• Minimal anaesthetic. Unlike other treatment options, VenaSeal does not require a large amount of anaesthetic to complete. The procedure is performed with only a tiny amount of local anaesthetic, with no need for any sedation or general anaesthetic. Heat based treatments, such as laser, require a much larger volume of local anaesthetic solution to safely perform, which patients often find the most uncomfortable part of these treatment types.
• Minimal disruption to lifestyle and work commitments. Patients have described the VenaSeal treatment as having minimal discomfort, being able to return straight to work.
• Most patients do not have to use a compression stocking afterwards, unlike the other saphenous vein treatment options. Compression stockings are often the most disliked part of varicose vein treatment aftercare, which many patients finding them hot, uncomfortable, difficult to apply and remove, and aesthetically unappealing.

Most people are able to make a quick recovery after VenaSeal. Since there’s no need for anaesthesia, multiple injections or pain medication, patients are able to resume their life right away with only a tiny incision and bandage over the treatment site. However, avoid strenuous exercise such as weightlifting, running or jumping for one week.

Within a few months, the body will reabsorb the treated veins, causing it to disappear altogether. Most patients see considerable reduction in the appearance of their varicose veins within four-six weeks, with only one session.

While VenaSeal is 98.9% effective at alleviating varicose veins and associated symptoms, there’s a small chance the condition may return after the procedure. Patients are advised to stay active and exercise regularly, to maintain a healthy weight and avoid standing or sitting for extended periods of time to prevent recurrence of the disease.

• You will have an ultrasound imaging exam of the leg being treated. This exam is important for assessing the diseased superficial vein and planning the procedure.
• Stop taking oral iron supplements or any supplement containing iron two weeks prior to your treatment, as it can help minimize post treatment pigmentation
• If you have excess hair, then we ask that you shave the treatment area around 4 days prior to your procedure. Avoid shaving your leg immediate before your treatment.

• You may feel some minor pain or stinging with a needle stick to numb the site where the doctor will access your vein.
• Once the area is numb, your doctor will insert the catheter into your leg. You may feel some pressure from the placement of the catheter.
• The catheter will be placed in specific areas along the diseased vein to deliver small amounts of the medical adhesive. You may feel a mild sensation of pulling. An ultrasound will be used during the procedure to guide and position the catheter.
• The process of injecting the glue and applying gentle pressure above the site is repeated every 3cm down the full length of the vein to be treated.

• Compression stocking are usually not required after the procedure.
• You will be directed to go for an immediate 10-minute walk before you drive home. As long as you are able to walk unaided without restriction, you are allowed to drive home.
• Maintain normal daytime activities but avoid standing still or sitting for long periods of time. Walking for 15-30 minute daily for the next two week is advised.
• You will be asked to avoid long haul flights (>4 hours of continuous travel) for at least 3-4 weeks after the treatment. If travel is unavoidable, then you will be protected from deep vein thrombosis with subcutaneous low molecular weight Heparin (Clexane) during your travel.
• You will return for a follow-up ultrasound scan 2 weeks following treatment, to ensure that the treated vein is occluded and to exclude the very small risk of deep vein thrombosis. Some patients may require follow-up treatment of residual varicosities by Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS). This procedure is often performed 2-4 weeks after initial treatment.