Commencing Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy has not been widely taught during vascular surgical training in the UK in recent years and differs significantly in its conduct from surgery. Diagnostic ultrasonography of the venous system is largely carried out by vascular technologists in the UK and surgeons may have only passing familiarity with this technology.

As a result it is common to find that surgeons are ill-equipped to undertake ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Appropriate training is essential before commencing clinical practice. This can be broken down into the components of sclerotherapy, ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided cannulation of vessels.

Injecting the right volume of the right sclerosant into the right vein is essential to getting a good outcome. Complications may arise if excessive concentrations or volumes of sclerosant are used. Lack of efficacy may be encountered when not enough is given. The right recipe for success seems to vary greatly between practitioners, but consensus guidelines have been published.

Theoretical knowledge is useful, but there is no substitute for practice! A skilled sclerotherapist will be able to put a needle into any vein visible from the surface of a limb, from the finest thread vein to large varix. This is best learnt under the supervision of an expert. Diagnosis of abnormality in the venous system takes a great deal of practice and training.

However, the anatomy of the superficial veins is readily assimilated and most patterns of varicose veins can be assessed by surgeons familiar with the surgical anatomy of the superficial and perforating veins. Learning the skills required with the assistance of an experienced vascular technologist or radiologist is probably the most effective strategy.

Ultrasound guided cannulation is an essential component of foam sclerotherapy and is the single most difficult aspect of the treatment for a beginner. Ultrasound phantoms are available with simulated veins to facilitate the learning process. These are not very life-like and are easy to master. The next stage involves patients and can be undertaken on suitably consented patients undergoing surgical treatment for varicose veins.

The procedure of cannulating the saphenous trunk can be practised, but without injecting any foam. There is a high risk of deep vein thrombosis in patients who have foam sclerotherapy under general anaesthesia. Combining these skills into a complete treatment for a patient requires some further training in the best strategy to use in order to obtain good results. Again this is best done under the supervision of a skilled practitioner.

Over the years, medical professionals and the general public have been showing greater interest in the development of plant medicines. VenousBalm-Rx and VenousDrops are new topical and oral remedies to treat varicose and spider veins. They are characterized by very strong and real pharmacological activities which unequivocally qualify them as ethical drugs.

Application of VenousBalm-Rx produces an analgesic effect and therefore used to provide rapid pain relief from venous insufficiency conditions. It is primarily drying to underlying tissue and prevents moisture loss. This potent astringent treatment is to be applied topically to areas of venous insufficiency causing varicose veins, spider veins, or swollen ankles.

VenousDrops, a new all natural dietary supplement to enhance venous circulation, strengthens immune parameters and safely acts as a blood decongestant. The extracts in this homeopathic treatment have positive systemic effects to promote venous circulation. It is to be taken as a dietary supplement in tandem with application of VaricoseBalm-Rx.

In addition to its venous clearing properties, VenousDrops have immunomodulator effects that enhance the immunological, and cellular defense mechanism. Treatment therefore helps to alleviate symptoms such as fog and fatigue commonly associated with lower immunity, thereby providing an energetic effect.

These treatments are concentrated with a wide spectrum of medicinal plant extracts exhibiting curative effects against varicose veins, as published by the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. For those seeking an end to varicose veins and related conditions, these products deliver the goods. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.