INDICATIONS
Varithena™ (polidocanol injectable foam) is indicated for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein system above and below the knee. Varithena™ improves the symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities.
Minimally invasive, nonsurgical
Treatment with Varithena™ does not require any incisions or general anesthesia. It usually takes the doctor less than an hour to administer Varithena™. Patients may resume some activities the same day but should avoid heavy exercise for two weeks.
Types of veins treated
Varithena™ treats a wide range of varicose veins in the GSV system, including:
- Tortuous (twisted) veins
- Veins above and below the knee
- Veins with small, medium, and large diameters
- Veins previously treated with other methods
Varithena™ does not treat all forms of varicose veins. Please talk with the doctor to see if Varithena™ may be right for you.
How Varithena™ works
- The doctor administers a small amount of Varithena™ through a catheter or by direct injection into the malfunctioning vein
- The Varithena™ microfoam fills and treats the desired section of the vein
- The diseased vein collapses and the microfoam is deactivated
- When the malfunctioning vein collapses, blood flow shifts to healthier veins nearby
Potential side effects
The use of Varithena™ is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to polidocanol and those with acute thromboembolic disease. The most common side effects seen with Varithena™ are leg pain or discomfort, injection site bruising or pain, and potentially serious blood clots in the leg veins.
Disclaimer
All information within this article is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. Be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Johnson if you have any concerns.