Cyanoacrylate Vein Glue for Varicose Veins in Melbourne

Cyanoacrylate – Vein Glue

First used to close off the primary saphenous vein in the thigh, cyanoacrylate vein glue has since proven to be highly effective for treating varicose veins in the legs and pelvic region. Most patients find glue vein treatment to be comfortable, with just a mild pulling sensation typically reported during the procedure.

Medical glue represents the next generation in varicose vein treatment by quickly sealing varicose veins in a single, painless walk in walk out procedure. Vein glue procedures are used by medical professionals in Australia, including VenaSeal, VeinOff and VenaBlock. All use a similar medical-grade super glue to collapse problem veins.

How Does Vein Glue Work?

Like many modern varicose vein procedures, such as sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), the aim of glue vein treatment is to seal the varicose vein so blood flow is naturally rerouted through healthy veins in the area. The procedure involves:

1. Using ultrasound to scan the affected vein in the treatment area.
2. Administering a small dosage of local anaesthetic.
3. Inserting a tiny catheter into the vein with ultrasound guidance.
4. Incrementally injecting specialised adhesive into the vein.
5. Compressing the vein by applying minimal pressure to the area.
6. As the medical adhesive or “superglue” (cyanoacrylate) is administered, the vein will undergo a process called sclerosis (hardening) and will be gradually absorbed by the body.
7. Blood flow is immediately re-routed through healthy functioning veins.
8. The catheter is removed and a small bandage placed over the incision site to protect against infection.

After the treatment, patients are free to immediately return to their normal activities.

Benefits of Vein Glue

With cyanoacrylate glue varicose veins can be treated with minimal invasiveness and can be performed in-office at our clinic. Some of the benefits include:

• Pain-free procedure with only minor discomfort
• No compression stocking required
• Takes less than 60 minutes
• Low risk with success rates of over 96%
• No visit to a hospital
• No general anaesthesia required
• No downtime, extended recovery or travel restrictions
• Your body naturally absorbs the problem vein
• Quick and simple outpatient procedure
• Reduced risk of burns or nerve damage compared to other varicose vein laser-based treatments

Cyanoacrylate at Vein Care (VenaBlock or VeinOff)

Our specialists use different types of glue for varicose veins, including VeinOff and VenaBlock. These medical-grade super glues (cyanoacrylates) all work in a similar manner to seal off problem veins. VenaBlock or VeinOff are two different types of medical adhesive available to treat varicose veins.

VenaBlock is a more traditional form of cyanoacrylate glue used to treat perforator veins and saphenous veins. A very small volume (between 0.1 and 0.2 mls) is needed to treat the affected vein. VeinOff was developed for the treatment of smaller varicose veins and spider veins using a polymer-based glue. Both options are effective, fast and relatively pain-free procedures.

What is VenaSeal Vein Glue?

VenaSeal is simply another common cyanoacrylate glue used to treat varicose veins. Once known as sapheon glue, this clear and free-flowing liquid is a safe and sterile substance used to permanently seal off problem veins close to the surface of the skin. Unlike other treatments, VenaSeal does not require a regional nerve block or anaesthesia. No pre-procedure drugs involved, making it a great, minimally invasive, non-thermal treatment for vein disease and varicose veins.

What VenaSeal Vein Glue Treats

VenaSeal is effective for treating varicose veins in the lower legs, pelvic, vaginal and vulvar area. This includes perforator veins that connect the deep and superficial venous systems as well as saphenous veins in each of your legs. Your clinician will advise on the suitability of vein glue treatments, depending on the location, severity and type of vein that needs to be treated.

How VenaSeal Glue Works

Cyanoacrylate glues like VenaSeal have been in use since the 1950s. They have been used in repairing skin incisions and wounds and skin incisions. Emergency doctors would often opt for medical-grade adhesives as a quick and painless alternative to suturing, particularly when treating distressed children.

It has also been used in other areas of medicine, such:

• Ophthalmic surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Cosmetic procedures
• Dentistry
• Orthopaedics
• Intravascular occlusion of cerebral arterio-venous malformations (AVMS), varicoceles and pelvic congestion syndrome and gastric varices

VenaSeal Glue Cost

The cost of VenaSeal treatment can vary greatly depending on the treatment approach required. Costs typically range from $2000-$6000 per leg treated, or $3500-$12000 for both legs. Medicare rebates are available for varicose vein treatments that use VenaSeal and other adhesive glues.

What to Expect with Cyanoacrylate Vein Glue

After your initial consultation, your clinician will confirm that you’re a good candidate for treatment. Preparing for cyanoacrylate vein glue treatment is quite straightforward. There’s no need to fast or to stop taking regular medications.

1. Using local anaesthetic, your doctor numbs the area where a tiny catheter will enter the vein.
2. While guiding the insertion of the catheter into the vein, ultrasound scans are used to reveal the problem vein and its path throughout your body.
3. The doctor slowly administers the medical glue, dispensing tiny amounts into the vein while applying steady, gentle pressure to the site.
4. A small bandage is placed over the incision site while the glue seals the vein.

Depending how many veins are being treated in a single session, the entire treatment will take between 45 to 60 minutes. Two weeks after your initial treatment, you should attend a follow-up appointment to ensure the success of the procedure. If smaller branch veins need to be treated, they can be addressed using methods such as sclerotherapy.

Recovery

Most people make a quick recovery after treatment. As there is no need to use anaesthesia, make multiple injections or take pain medication, patients can resume regular activities straight away. There will be a tiny incision, so a bandage will be placed over the site. It will require some minor care and can be removed the day after treatment.

Within a few months, your body will naturally reabsorb the treated vein, causing it to disappear. Within four to six weeks after only one session, many patients can look forward to a significant reduction in the visible appearance of their varicose veins. A follow-up appointment may be advised to scan your leg and confirm that all the affected veins remain shut. At this stage, your treatment can be declared effective, provided the results meet your expectations.

Aftercare Tips

While you are free to return to most regular activities after treatment, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, including weight lifting, running or jumping for one week. Unlike other treatments, there’s no need to wear compression stockings after cyanoacrylate vein glue treatment. It’s a simple walk in, walk out procedure with minimal inconvenience and reliable results.

While this treatment is incredibly effective at addressing varicose veins, there is always a small chance that the condition may return. To drastically reduce the likelihood of recurrence, take proactive steps like staying active, exercising regularly and avoiding standing or sitting for extended periods of time.