New Treatment for Varicose Veins

Two physician-led pilot studies have found a new injected microfoam treatment for varicose veins to be safe and effective, with a success rate comparable to surgery.

The studies involved 41 patients with moderate to severe varicose veins, who would normally be treated with surgery. Patients received either one or two injection treatments within a one-week interval. All patients were able to return to work the same or the following day. The overall success rate was 81%, comparable to surgical treatment. Success was measured by an ultrasound exam showing elimination of abnormal retrograde blood flow into the veins and of closure of the varicose veins. No significant side effects were reported. The treatment can be performed as an outpatient procedure.

The new treatment is based on an approach to varicose vein treatment invented by a Spanish clinician, Dr. Juan Cabrera. Called Varisolve, the microfoam treatment was developed by Provensis, a subsidiary of BTG (London, UK).

"I am very excited by the Varisolve treatment and believe that with the right personnel, equipment, and training, people suffering from major varicose veins can be treated as outpatients with remarkably little discomfort,” said Prof. Charles McCollum, who led one of the studies in South Manchester University (UK). "The results are at least as good as surgery without the scars or the painful recovery time.”



Related Links:
BTG