VenaSeal Procedure in Los Angeles

VenaSeal is a bio-adhesive ‘glue’ that’s designed for use in the veins. It was approved by the FDA in 2015 for the treatment of adults with clinically symptomatic venous reflux / varicose veins. [1] Like other varicose vein treatments, the goal of a VenaSeal procedure is to permanently close down diseased veins. [2]

The VenaSeal adhesive is an n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) based formulation. The chemistry behind the device is similar to other bio-adhesives used to close surgical incisions, wounds, and lacerations. Kept isolated, the VenaSeal solution is a clear, sterile, free-flowing liquid. Upon contact with bodily fluids, such as blood inside the vein, the individual molecules of NBCA begin to polymerize. Within minutes, this creates a solid material within the vein, which then becomes surrounded by fibrous tissue, creating a durable occlusion. [1]

Until recently, thermal ablation devices, such as radiofrequency and laser treatment, were the ‘gold standard’ for minimally invasive varicose vein treatment. Thermal devices work by applying short bursts of focused heat to the inside of the vein that causes the vein to collapse. Many medical procedures are destructive in nature, so patients shouldn’t find this type of approach alarming. However, thermal treatment does require certain safeguards to protect patients from the adverse effects of extreme heat – one of which is the use of tumescent anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia is a liquid that numbs the treatment area while providing a heat-conducting medium for the safe delivery of thermal energy. [3] Covering the entire length of a vein with anesthesia often requires several uncomfortable needlesticks.

In contrast, VenaSeal is entirely non-thermal and does not require tumescent anesthesia. This generally means fewer needle sticks for patients and a more comfortable procedure. Readers should note that Varithena foam sclerotherapy offers many of the same advantages as VenaSeal, which is why our vein specialists offer both treatments here at ProVascularMD.

The non-thermal nature of VenaSeal can also make it easier for patients to return to work and resume moderate exercise immediately following their procedure. With thermal ablation, on the other hand, it can take patients a few days to fully recover from thermal ablation. This point is further emphasized in human studies directly comparing a VenaSeal procedure to thermal ablation, which has demonstrated that treatment with VenaSeal sees less post-procedural pain and bruising than treatment with thermal ablation. [5]

In summary, the VenaSeal procedure is as effective as any other vein treatment option while potentially providing patients with a more comfortable experience and an easier post-procedure recovery. If you have questions about VenaSeal or any other other vein treatment options, get in touch with us at ProVascularMD. We offer individualized vein treatment at four dedicated vein centers in Los Angeles and surrounding cities.