As techniques and equipment improved, other less invasive treatments developed, including Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) to treat even the largest of varicose veins.
Dr Henryk Poczwa was the first Phlebologist in New Zealand to introduce the revolutionary laser treatment into New Zealand in 2002, and today, he is still a leading pioneer in varicose vein treatment with the introduction of the Venaseal Closure System.
How varicose veins form
How they do form is understood very well. At their basic level, varicose veins are a circulatory problem, with blood not being pumped up through the legs effectively enough.
Your blood needs to fight gravity on the way back to the heart, so the veins in your legs have a one-way valve, allowing the blood to move upwards, pump by pump. If these valves aren’t working properly, the blood starts to pool, causing the vein to swell or twist.
This results in bulges in the vein, which protrude from the skin, and if left untreated, can result in serious health issues.
What is Venaseal?
The treatment starts with an ultrasound of the leg in order to map out the damaged vein. Then a small catheter is inserted into the bottom of the vein and pushed up into the leg. It may sound painful, but there are no nerves in a vein, so you can’t feel anything!
Once the catheter is in place, the Venaseal glue is injected, and the doctor will literally push down on your leg, sealing the vein shut.
The catheter is moved down a few centimetres and more glue is injected, and then again and again until the entire vein is literally sealed shut from the inside.
Once the affected vein is closed, blood is immediately re-routed through other healthy veins in the leg.
What to expect after Venaseal treatment
Patients are encouraged to walk around immediately after treatment, and can return to work and regular activities the same day.
Because there is no cutting, stitches are not required, so patients don’t have to worry about healing or infection.
The glue used by Venaseal is a medical grade adhesive and is soft and elastic. It seals the vein quickly and does not hinder movement in the legs afterwards.
Make an appointment today for a Venaseal consultation
This treatment is relatively new in the industry, and as such the Vein and Skin Clinic is one of the very few clinics in New Zealand practicing the Venaseal Closure System technique.
If you would like to know more, or would like to book in for a consultation with one of our medical experts, then please feel free to contact us today.
Having successfully treated over 3000 cases in New Zealand, Dr Henryk Poczwa, Dr Lorraine Smith and Dr Jarrod Newell are the foremost experts when it comes to varicose vein treatments.