Varicose Veins: What are the Treatment Options?

Discover the latest advancements in varicose veins treatments that are changing the narrative from painful surgeries to minimally invasive, effective solutions. Learn from Dr. Tan at The Vascular Vein and Wound Centre in Singapore about how these evidence-based treatments provide a safer, more comfortable alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery, addressing the root cause of venous insufficiency with state-of-the-art technology.

Varicose Veins and Treatments

Fortunately, the daunting tales of leg vein surgery belong to the past. Today, there are numerous effective and minimally invasive varicose veins treatment methods available that cause minimal discomfort and require a shorter recovery time.

Varicose veins originate from an underlying condition known as venous insufficiency. Both genetic factors and lifestyle choices play a role in its onset. Symptoms of discomfort and pain arise when the small, one-directional valves in the veins are overstressed and start to fail. This failure can cause blood to flow in the reverse direction and pool towards the ankle, leading to the veins enlarging over time and forming varicose veins. This condition is most frequently seen in the lower parts of the body, such as the legs, ankles, and feet.

Contrary to the common misconception that varicose veins are merely a cosmetic concern, they can lead to various problematic symptoms, including swelling in the legs, a sensation of heaviness, muscle cramps, itching, and fatigue. In some cases, the symptoms can be severe enough to adversely affect one’s quality of life. If venous insufficiency, the condition underlying varicose veins, is not addressed, it could predispose individuals to serious health issues such as blood clots and venous ulcers, which are open wounds that do not heal.

If you’re thinking about undergoing a procedure to eliminate varicose veins, it’s important to fully investigate all your treatment possibilities. Consulting with a vein specialist will allow for assessing your symptoms and providing tailored treatment suggestions. Meanwhile, here is essential information you should be aware of regarding varicose vein treatment. At The Vascular Vein and Wound Centre, Dr Tan, a leading vein specialist in Singapore, provides a wide range of proven, effective, and minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins that can quickly alleviate symptoms, resulting in significantly less discomfort and a quicker recovery period.

1. Varicose vein stripping surgery

Nowadays, the practice of varicose vein stripping surgery has become quite uncommon, primarily because the recovery process can be quite discomforting and may last up to four weeks. With the availability of far superior alternatives, undergoing a painful surgery with a lengthy recovery period seems unnecessary now.

2. The modern varicose vein treatment options

All the varicose vein treatments offered in the centre are evidence-based which means the device is safe and effective for its intended use.

a) Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy

During Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treatment, a vein specialist will insert a thin catheter into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. Radiofrequency (RF) energy is then used via the RF catheter to heat and seal the problematic vein. Right after the procedure, the blood flow is redirected to nearby healthy veins before flowing back to the heart. The body gradually absorbs the closed vein and scars it over.

b) Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA)

Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA), also referred to as ClariVein is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. It does not use heat energy to seal vein. It combines two techniques: mechanical disruption of the vein wall using a rotating wire or catheter and the chemical effect of a sclerosant solution, which is injected into the vein. This dual-action approach enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.

A catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance during the MOCA procedure. The catheter delivers a combination of mechanical agitation and a sclerosant solution, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body, and blood flow reroutes to healthier veins.

Because MOCA does not use heat energy like RFA, there is less risk, albeit low, of heat-related damage to surrounding nerves. This treatment method is especially suitable for veins below the knee as nerves may run close to the veins.

Step 1. The ClariVein infusion catheter is inserted into the vein through the skin under ultrasound guidance.

Step 2. The motorised handle of the ClariVein catheter is utilised to rotate the catheter tip while pulling it back. This rotation induces vessel spasm, hindering forward flow and allowing for a concentrated infusion of liquid sclerosant into the targeted area.

c) Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy represents yet another minimally invasive method aimed at sealing off dysfunctional varicose veins and redirecting venous blood circulation. This procedure utilizes ultrasound imaging to identify the problematic vein. Upon identification, a special medication (sclerosant) is administered through injection, which irritates the vein, leading to its closure. Like our other treatments, this method typically requires minimal to no downtime for recuperation.

The advantages of minimally invasive treatment modalities

The advantages of minimally invasive treatment modalities over traditional vein stripping surgery:

1. Reduced Pain: Minimally invasive procedures typically involve smaller incisions or needle punctures, resulting in less trauma to the surrounding tissues and reduced postoperative pain compared to vein stripping surgery.

2. Faster Recovery: Patients undergoing minimally invasive treatments generally experience shorter recovery times and can return to normal activities more quickly than those undergoing vein stripping surgery, which may require more extensive recovery periods.

3. Lower Risk of Complications: Minimally invasive techniques are associated with lower rates of complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing issues compared to traditional surgery.

4. Minimal Scarring: Because minimally invasive procedures involve smaller incisions or puncture sites, they often result in minimal scarring, leading to better cosmetic.