I'm Nervous About My Upcoming VenaSealTM Procedure

Varicose veins aren't attractive, but these bulging, ropey veins are more than a simple cosmetic problem. These veins affect millions of adults and can cause physical symptoms, including throbbing, aching, and leg heaviness. 

They develop when the one-way valves inside your veins stop working. These valves help keep blood flowing in the right direction, and when they wear out or stop working, blood can pool inside the vein, causing it to bulge and twist. 

Varicose veins are often signs of venous insufficiency or disease, so it's essential to consult with a doctor, like the board-certified providers at Alate Health in Houston, Texas, if you notice this vascular issue. 

When left untreated, varicose veins are linked to more serious vascular problems, including deep vein thrombosis (clotting), inflammation and cellulitis, skin ulcers from fluid buildup, and bleeding through the skin.  

After evaluating your veins, your Alate Health team member recommends the right treatment for your needs. The non-surgical VenaSealTM Closure System offers the best solution for many of our patients. 

This medical adhesive glue seals your varicose veins and improves blood flow, helping you avoid the serious complications associated with this condition. Knowing what to expect can help calm your nerves, so take a moment to familiarize yourself with the VenaSeal procedure. 

Understanding the VenaSeal treatment

The VenaSeal Closure System is an FDA-approved therapy for varicose veins that doesn't use heat energy, harsh chemicals, or surgical removal to improve varicose veins. Instead, VenaSeal uses specially formulated medical adhesive to close affected veins. 

Like other varicose vein treatments, such as sclerotherapy or radiofrequency treatments, the treated vein closes after the procedure, and blood flow is naturally redirected to other healthy veins. Clinical studies show VenaSeal is highly effective, both in the short and long term. 

However, unlike these other treatments, you don't have to see if the procedure is effective as it works immediately. In addition, there's no need to wear compression stockings for weeks after your session, so you can wear what you like and stay comfortable. 

Before your VenaSeal treatment

Before your VenaSeal therapy begins, your provider will use ultrasound imaging to scan the area with the varicose veins scheduled for treatment. This allows your Alate Health team member to visualize the treatment plan. 

You don't need to shave your legs or avoid taking your regular medications before treatment since you won't need anesthesia. You can eat and drink normally and bring a book or music to keep you occupied during your treatment. 

A team member may take photos of your legs before treatment for use with your medical chart.

During your VenaSeal treatment

Once we’re ready to begin, your provider cleans your leg with an iodine solution, then injects a local anesthetic at the site where the VenaSeal catheter will be placed. This is to help keep you comfortable. 

When you're numb, we place an IV with a catheter into the targeted vein. With this in place, your provider fills a syringe with the VenaSeal adhesive solution and injects it into the catheter.

Using an ultrasound, your provider threads the catheter through the vein to the correct location and releases the glue. The procedure doesn't hurt, but you might feel pressure when the adhesive is released. 

Once inside the vein, the VenaSeal solution seals the vein at that location. Your Alate Health provider moves the catheter to specific points in the diseased vein, releasing adhesive and sealing the varicose vein. 

After your VenaSeal treatment

Generally, you can expect that once your treatment is complete, your provider will clean your leg. You don't need to wear compression stockings, but your provider will put a pressure bandage over the site where the catheter entered your vein to prevent bleeding. 

You don't need to wear compression stockings, so you can wear whatever you like after your session, and you're free to leave once your appointment is over. While everyone's treatment varies slightly, most patients receive their VenaSeal treatment in about an hour.

Your Alate Health provider gives you specific post-procedure instructions to follow after your VenaSeal treatment. Be sure to talk to them about any questions or concerns before leaving the office, but if something new comes up, don't hesitate to call our office at any time. 

Say goodbye to unsightly and painful varicose veins by setting up a consultation online or over the phone with a provider at Alate Health in Houston, Texas.