ULTRASOUND GUIDED SCLEROTHERAPY (UGS)

WHAT IS ULTRASOUND GUIDED SCLEROTHERAPY?

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a non-surgical treatment for varicose veins that are not visible on the surface of the skin. Using ultrasound, the deeper veins are visible and can be injected with a special solution that causes the vein wall to collapse.

CAN UGS BE USED IN ALL MY VARICOSE VEINS?

No, for more severe varicose veins, Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) may be recommended to fully treat your veins. However UGS and EVLT are often used together to fully treat Varicose Veins.

WHAT HAPPENS IN TREATMENT?

Using ultrasound guidance, our Doctor will accurately guide the needle and inject the vein, while observing the process on the ultrasound monitor. Once injected, the treated vessel will collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body. A number of injections may be required along the length of the vein to achieve complete closure.

WHAT COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR?

• Discomfort: Usually mild. An itching or mild burning sensation is not uncommon but is short lived.
• Discolouration: This is caused by pigment leaking from the red blood cells along the course of the treated blood vessels. It happens unpredictably in about 30% of people and has the appearance of an old bruise. Pigmentation disappears over time but may take as long as 12 months to resolve. We know that the use of compression stockings following treatment is essential to minimise the occurrence of pigmentation.
• Vein Matting: This refers to the appearance of new, very fine red blood vessels in response to sclerotherapy or surgery. This occurs in a minority of patients. Its cause is unknown and it may not be easy to treat.
• Haematoma: This is a small quantity of clotted blood within the injected vessels which may need to be released by puncturing the area and expressing the clot. It occurs more commonly in larger veins. It causes a dark lumpy discoloration along the course of the vein but usually disappears within a month.

WHAT AFTER-CARE DO I NEED?

• Minimum of 30 minutes walking per day.
• Continue wearing the stockings as instructed.
• Avoid sun exposure to the treated areas until all bruising has resolved to prevent pigmentation.

WHO CANT HAVE UGS?

• Pregnant women.
• Previous history of deep vein thrombosis.
• Long distance travel within a month of treatment.

Testimonials

“During my first pregnancy I developed painful vulvar and perineal varicose veins along with achy, heavy legs. After finishing having children, my symptoms had decreased however, I was still left with pain, varicose eczema, along with visible varicose veins.”

“After receiving Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy treatment at EchoNorth, my symptoms have disappeared! Angela and Dr Joanna were completely professional and caring throughout the process, making it stress free and efficient.”

“The result is that I now have my confidence back! I can’t recommend them enough.”  – JH.