Tech for Your Health
This minimally invasive procedure can treat diseased veins.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a form of venous disease that occurs when the valves in the leg veins stop working properly, allowing blood to pool in the lower legs rather than flowing to the heart. This can cause symptoms such as aching or pain, swelling, heaviness, restlessness, and varicose veins. According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI affects
1 in 20 adults, primarily those over 50.
Traditionally, diseased veins are sealed off with heat through a process called thermal ablation, however advances in technology have provided a new, nonthermal alternative.
VenaSeal by Medtronic is an innovative, FDA-approved closure system that uses a specially formulated medical adhesive to close the affected vein, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins and relieving symptoms.
How Does It Work?
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that involves little to no discomfort. First, the site where the vein will be accessed is numbed using local anesthetic. A catheter is then inserted into the leg through a small access site, guided by ultrasound imaging, where it will deliver medical adhesive to the diseased vein. Light external pressure is then applied to adhere the vein walls together, effectively sealing off the vein. The catheter is then removed, and the procedure is complete. Patients are able to return to normal activities the same or next day.
The Benefits of the VenaSeal
VenaSeal offers lasting results, with one study reporting a 94.6% closure rate at five years following the procedure. Compared to thermal ablation, it offers a faster recovery time, reduced need for anesthesia, less discomfort, only one needle stick, and no requirement for compression socks following treatment.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. As managing editor for CMC Media & Marketing Group, she is responsible for the development and completion of 16 publications involving health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. Additionally, Rachel has led digital marketing initiatives for CMC Media & Marketing Group as well as the development of content for the introduction of Choose Huntsville™, Huntsville Resource & Relocation Guide™ for Huntsville, Alabama.
