Glue for treatment of varicose veins.

Venaseal® and Venablock® are two new cyanoacrylate glue products which have now been approved for use in the treatment of varicose veins. Several peer reviewed randomized controlled studies now support the use of glue in terms of safety and efficacy. Glue has been widely used for nearly 40 years for treating of other medical conditions such as vascular malformations. Millions of patients have been treated with glue and there is no record of an increased risk of cancer.

Advantages of glue

• High degree of safety. Theoretically no risk of injury to nerves or arteries or lymphatics.
• Minimal discomfort. Just one injection of local anaesthetic for insertion of the catheter.
• Relatively quick procedure.
• No compression stockings. Walk straight out and resume normal activities.
• Next to no discomfort following the procedure (except inflammation on occasions)
• Success rates equivalent to endovenous thermal ablation (Laser and Radiofrequency).

Disadvantages

• Does not treat superficial varicose veins – only treats underlying refluxing veins such as incompetent saphenous veins which are the cause of superficial varicose veins.
• Complementary treatment with sclerotherapy or phlebectomy is required to treat surface varicose veins - same limitations as endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation.
• Inflammation (phlebitis) can sometimes occur.