Varithena Procedure
in Los Angeles

Varithena is the trademarked name for an injectable polidocanol foam solution that is used to treat varicose veins. This is typically done by a vein specialist using ultrasound guidance, which is why the Varithena procedure is more generally referred to as ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The sclerotherapy, in this case, refers to the polidocanol.

Foam sclerosant was approved for use by the FDA in 2013, and since its approval, sclerotherapy with foam has been commonly used to treat venous reflux in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and accessory vessels. Foam sclerotherapy with ultrasound guidance can be used to treat both the cosmetic appearance of varicose veins as well as the persistent symptoms of vein disease, including swelling, pain, aching, throbbing, heaviness, and itching.

Because of its foam-based delivery mechanism, Varithena can be used to treat nearly every case of varicose veins, and it has the unique advantage of being able to treat varicose veins that are exceptionally large, lie deep below the surface of the skin, and are highly branched or twisted [1, 2]. Other varicose vein treatments, including thermal ablation and vein glue are not as effective in these scenarios.

After the procedure, you may be asked to wear compression stockings and to limit intense physical activity to help ensure complete closure of the treated veins. Otherwise, you can return to normal daily activities including work immediately after the procedure. Most patients see visible improvement of vein clearance after 1 treatment session, although multiple sessions may be required for complete vein clearance.

There have been at least a handful of studies on the durability of Varithena treatment. In one study comparing vein closure rates with laser ablation, conventional surgery, and foam sclerotherapy, vein closure rates at one year post treatment were 88.5% for endovenous laser ablation, 88.2% for conventional surgery, and 72.2% for foam sclerotherapy [3]. This study suggested that Varithena wouldn’t be as durable as other treatments. However, in another study, 90% of great saphenous veins remained close after two sessions of foam sclerotherapy over an average 3.25 years of follow-up [5], suggesting that Varithena is just as good if not better than alternatives. It’s also interesting to note that varicose vein recurrence does not always cause symptoms. One study found that 70% of patients did not experience clinical vein symptoms again even after a treated vein reopened [4].

Looking at all of the evidence, we think it’s fair to say that treatment efficacy is approximately equal between the different types of vein treatment, both in terms of symptom relief and durability.

Varithena foam treating multiple branching veins simultaneously.

Most Varithena side effects are temporary and resolve within a few months after the procedure. Following the Varithena procedure, patients may experience these side effects:

• Mild pain and inflammation at the injection site
• Skin hyperpigmentation
• Rash
• Ulceration (rare)
• Deep vein thrombosis (rare)
• An adverse reaction to the sclerosant (rare)

A Varithena procedure is just as effective as other leading vein treatments, and has clear advantages over other alternatives. A vein specialist at ProVascularMD can help you evaluate your options and decide if Varithena is right for you. Contact us to schedule your visit today!