Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is very similar to compression sclerotherapy in that several injections are strategically placed along the course of the vein to be treated. In traditional sclerotherapy the physician identifies the areas to be treated strictly by external visual reference and experience. With Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, an ultrasound is used (hence the name) to help the physician with needle placement. The major advantages to ultrasound guided sclerotherapy are precise placement of the needle for injection and the ability to inject incompetent perforating veins which are not visible on routine examination. There is no significant difference in procedure discomfort when performed by a trained physician. Only a small "pinching" sensation is felt.

Though we routinely use ultrasound guided sclerotherapy to treat incompetent perforating veins and other "leaky valves" throughout the legs, we do not use this procedure for treatment of groin reflux. We feel groin reflux is best treated by EVLT, Closure, or high flush ligation and division of the greater saphenous vein. These procedures are explained in more detail under their own headings.

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