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Schlerotherapy (Varicose Veins)

The Society of Interventional Radiology estimates about half of all Americans have some degree of varicose veins (slightly more women than men). About 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men have visible varicose veins. Aging, pregnancy, obesity and family history of varicose veins increase risk for the condition. In severe cases, varicose veins can lead to skin ulcers, infections and blood clots.

Asclera™ is a new treatment that targets varicose veins through chemical injection.

Varicose veins are swollen or twisted blood vessels that most often form in the legs. On the surface of the skin, varicose veins look like dark purple or blue lines. The veins may be twisted, swollen and bulging. Some people develop itching, pain, burning or aching in the affected legs. The symptoms tend to be worse at the end of the day, especially if the person has been standing for a considerable amount of time. They are more likely to develop in pregnant women, obese people and those who must stand for long periods. Advancing age and family history also may make them more likely to form, the FDA said.

Treating Varicose Veins

Sometimes varicose veins can be treated with conservative measures. Compression stockings, elevation of the legs, exercise, weight loss and avoidance of standing for long periods of time may reduce symptoms.

If those treatments don't help, there are several other types of procedures that can be used.

Asclera™
In March 2010, the FDA approved a type of sclerotherapy agent for varicose veins in legs, called Asclera™. It is specifically approved for treatment of spider veins (varicose veins that are less than one millimeter in diameter) and reticular veins (one to three millimeters in diameter). Asclera contains a chemical, called Polidocanol, once injected, it acts by damaging the cell lining of blood vessels, causing them to close and eventually disappear. It takes anywhere from two to 12 weeks for the vein to completely close. Since varicose veins tend to cover large areas, patients often initially need two to three treatment sessions. Maintenance treatments may be needed every one to five years to treat new varicose veins.

It is recommended that people who are considering treatment with Asclera plan ahead, since it takes several weeks for the veins to completely disappear. Patients who are looking to improve the appearance of their legs need to have the treatment about three months ahead of shorts and bathing suit season.

Side effects of Asclera may include: irritation or discoloration at the injection site, bruising or hematoma. In rare cases, Asclera can cause a severe allergic reaction.

Schlerotherapy FAQs

What areas of the body does Asclera treat?
Injection sclerotherapy is a primary treatment option for small varicose veins and spider veins. Asclera Injection is indicated for sclerotherapy of spider veins and small varicose veins in the lower extremities.

What are the advantages of Asclera over other similar treatments?
Asclera (polidocanol) Injection has been used Europe to safely and effectively treat spider and reticular veins in the legs for over 40 years. In this time, over 5 million treatments have been performed with a very high success rate. In addition, Asclera has anesthetic properties, which may make treatment more comfortable for patients.

Who is a candidate for Asclera treatment?
Most men and women who are experiencing varicose or spider veins are good candidates for injection sclerotherapy treatment. Patients with certain blood conditions or vascular ailments, as well as those taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates. Be sure to discuss any current medical conditions and medications with your specialist before undergoing any vein procedure. In addition, women who are pregnant are not generally considered good candidates for this or other vein sclerosing treatments. Asclera should not be used in patients with known allergies to polidocanol (lauromacrogol 400) or any of the other ingredients of Asclera.
How is the procedure performed?
Before the procedure, your specialist will clean the treatment area and may apply a topical anesthetic to numb the injection site. For most men and women, and depending upon the number of sites being treated, the entire procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform, and is performed in an outpatient setting.

What is the recovery like?
Recovery is relatively straightforward, and most patients are able to return to their regular routines soon after treatment. For treatment of certain leg veins, a compression stocking may be prescribed to speed and aid in healing.

What will the results be like?
For most patients, results will be evident in one to three treatments with Asclera, and can be evaluated within a few days of treatment. Some patients may require additional treatments to address stubborn veins.

What are the risks?
With any injection sclerotherapy treatment there is always a risk of scarring or skin breakdown at the site of treatment. In addition, treatment with any sclerosing agent incurs a very small risk of infection. Be sure to discuss possible side effects or risks with your specialist before undergoing any treatment for varicose or spider veins.
Is Asclera FDA approved?

Asclera was approved by the FDA in 2010 for the treatment of small varicose and spider veins.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.