Learn About VenaSeal™

The VenaSeal™ procedure is an endovenous adhesive closure technique that uses a medical adhesive to seal closed the inner lining of diseased saphenous veins. Dr. Clint Hayes and his expert team at the Vein Center of North Texas use the VenaSeal™ procedure at the Vein Center of North Texas to eliminate saphenous insufficiency and restore normal circulation. The end result is resolution of your chronic symptoms and improvement in the appearance of your legs. Give the Vein Center of North Texas a call and book an appointment and start enjoying the benefits of normal venous circulation.

Q: What is the VenaSeal™ Procedure?

A: The VenaSeal™ procedure is an endovenous adhesive closure technique that uses a medical adhesive called cyanoacrylate to close the lining of disease saphenous veins and permanently seal them shut. Dr. Hayes threads a VenaSeal™ catheter into the saphenous vein under local anesthesia. He then applies a thin strip of VenaSeal™ adhesive to seal the vein as he withdraws the catheter. The skin incision is so small that sutures are not indicated after the VenaSeal™ catheter is removed. The procedure usually takes around twenty minutes. It requires only minimal postoperative downtime. Most patients return to work the next day.

Q: How do you perform the VenaSeal™ procedure?

A: Dr. Hayes performs the VenaSeal™ procedure at the Vein Center of North Texas as an outpatient, office-based procedure. We clean the leg with a standard surgical prep before injecting a spot of lidocaine and create a 1mm incision at the lower leg. Under ultrasound guidance, the VenaSeal™ catheter is positioned within the target saphenous vein. The thin ribbon of adhesive is applied within the vein as the VenaSeal™ catheter is removed, permanently sealing the vein closed. A steri-strip tape is then applied and sterile compression dressings are placed on the lower leg. Intraoperative conscious sedation is available if desired. 

Q: Is the VenaSeal™ procedure the same as vein stripping?

A: No, not really. 

Vein stripping is a surgical operation invented at the Mayo Clinic in1905. Vein stripping is usually performed in the hospital under a general anesthetic. An incision is made at the groin and another incision is made at the calf. A stripping wire is passed from the calf to the groin and the vein is stripped out using considerable force. The incisions are then sewn or stapled shut. Recovery usually takes weeks to months. Long-term success rates average 30-50%.

The VenaSeal™ procedure was FDA approved in February, 2015. It is a minimally-invasive procedure performed in the Vein Center of North Texas with a single injection of lidocaine local anesthesia at the lower leg and (if you desire) conscious sedation. A VenaSeal™ catheter is positioned within the saphenous vein using a single puncture incision at the lower leg. As the VenaSeal™ catheter is withdrawn and removed, a thin ribbon of adhesive is applied and the vein lining immediately sealed closed. A steri-strip tape is placed on the incision. Recovery generally takes hours to days. Long-term success rates average 95% or more. 

Q: How long does the VenaSeal™ procedure take?

A: The VenaSeal™ procedure at the Vein Center of North Texas usually takes less than 20 minutes. Most patients spend two to three hours with us due to pre-op and post-op routines.

Q: What type of anesthesia does the VenaSeal™ require?

A: A single injection of lidocaine is used at the single incision site in the lower leg. Additional sedation is available in the form of conscious sedation if you’d like. General anesthesia is not required.

Q: What is recovery time after the VenaSeal™ procedure?

A: Patients are up and walking within five to ten minutes after the VenaSeal™ procedure at the Vein Center of North Texas. Most patients can return to work the next day. 

Q: When will my leg symptoms begin to improve after the VenaSeal™ procedure?

A: The VenaSeal™ procedure helps to restore normal circulation as soon as the diseased vein is closed. Most patients begin to notice improvement in their longstanding vein symptoms within a day or two of their procedure. These improvements are most noticeable after the normal soreness and stiffness from the procedure has worn off within in a week or two. These improvements continue over the next several weeks.

Q: If I have circulation problems, don’t I need all the veins I’ve got?

A: Normal circulation requires normally functioning veins. Diseased, refluxing saphenous veins impede normal circulation. Once they dilate up and the valves fail, these veins will never be normal again. If your saphenous veins are dilated and actively refluxing, they’re hurting your circulation, not helping it. Eliminating these diseased saphenous veins helps restore normal venous flow.

Q: What happens to the diseased veins after they’ve been closed?

A: After the veins are closed, they are gradually absorbed by the body. 

Q: Is the VenaSeal™ procedure covered by health insurance?

A:  Just like gallbladder disease or a problem hernia, symptomatic venous insufficiency is a medical condition – not a cosmetic concern. It is therefore covered by Medicare and most reputable health insurers.