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Venaseal is an innovative treatment for varicose veins that uses a specially formulated medical glue to seal the impaired vein, thus allowing the blood to flow through other healthy veins in the legs.
It's a minimally invasive procedure that can be carried without any special anaesthetic injections into the vein, which are called tumescent anaesthesia and are needed for certain varicose vein treatments. The Venaseal procedure also eliminates any risk of nerve injury that appears in thermal-based treatments, making it safe as well as effective.
The Venaseal adhesive is specifically formulated to treat the great saphenous vein (GSV) and its associated varicosities. The GSV is the largest vein in the body, found in your leg.
Results will vary based on how advanced the varicose veins are, but patients should see a rapid relief from the uncomfortable symptoms and appearance caused by the condition.
Venaseal is just one of many effective treatments our experienced vascular consultants offer to reduce the symptoms and improve the appearance of varicose veins. Call or book online to arrange your initial consultation and one of our specialists will help you find the right treatment for you.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins that usually appear on your legs. They tend to be blue or dark purple and might be bumpy or twisted. They happen because of faulty valves in your veins, which disrupt the normal blood flow.
These problem veins can be unsightly, and many people find them uncomfortable, too. Some people develop complications, which can include bleeding or skin changes. There are many treatments available for varicose veins, including surgery, laser therapy and foam sclerotherapy.
Consultants might recommend the Venaseal procedure due its benefits such as:
- Little discomfort during the procedure
- Reduced recovery time, allowing a rapid return to work or day-to-day activities
- Tumescent-free solution, eliminating the need for multiple needles
- Minimal bruising
- No need to wear compression stockings after the procedure, although some patients might benefit from them
Mr Nick Lagattolla, consultant vascular surgeon at The Winterbourne Hospital, explains that Venaseal is "both highly effective and very minimally invasive with no unwanted effects. Compared to more traditional varicose vein treatments there no need for extra local anaesthetic, two or more veins can be treated at the same time and there is no need for post procedural stockings."
If you suffer from varicose veins, there are a variety of treatment options available, and which is best for you will depend on various factors. When you meet with one of our consultant vascular surgeons, they will talk you through all the options available to you, which might include:
- Surgical removal of varicose veins
- The ClariVein procedure
- VNUS closure procedure (Venefit)
- Laser treatment for varicose veins
- Endovenous laser therapy (ELVT)
- Sclerotherapy treatment
Whichever options are appropriate in your case, your consultant will talk you through each one in turn, explaining the procedures as well as the pros and cons based on your personal circumstances. Together, you’ll decide on the best course of treatment for you.
Before the procedure, you may have an ultrasound exam of your affected leg so that we can assess the extent and location of the damage to your vein and plan what to do during the procedure. A local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area where the doctor will access your vein.
Your consultant will then use an ultrasound to guide a catheter into the affected vein through a very small incision. You may feel some pressure as the catheter is inserted but it should not be painful.
Your surgeon then guides the catheter along to the area where they will deliver the medical adhesive, still using the ultrasound to guide them. They'll apply a light pressure in order to encourage the vein walls to stick together, before carefully removing the catheter.
Once the procedure is finished, a small bandage will be placed over the puncture site.
Recovering from a Venaseal procedure
Venaseal is an outpatient procedure and doesn't require overnight stay. Once the procedure is over, you should be able to go home and return to normal activities. Generally, the use of compression stockings after a Venaseal procedure is not necessary, however some patients may benefit from them.
Your doctor will tell you everything you need to know about recovering from the procedure including any activities you need to avoid and when you can expect to see the final results. Typically, varicose veins can take up to three months to recede after a procedure such as this.
Medical glues have been successfully used to safely treat different conditions for over 50 years. The Venaseal procedure is a clinically proven, safe option to treat varicose veins, with no serious adverse effects. As a procedure that is not using heat, there is no risk of injuring the nerve in the leg, a risk associated with certain thermal-based procedures.
Still, as with any medical procedure, Venaseal does carry certain risks. These may include:
- Allergic reaction to the medical glue
- Bleeding or bruising
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Swelling in the treated leg
- Infection at the access site
- A feeling of tingling, pricking, numbness or burning
- Scarring
Your consultant will be able to extensively explain any complications or risks that might occur during this procedure. Our job is to put your mind at ease, so don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have.
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant to learn more about Venaseal or any other of our vascular treatments for problem veins, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.
- What is Venaseal?, The Whiteley Clinic
- VenaSeal varicose vein treatment, UVA Health
- Varicose veins, NHS
