VenaSeal is an innovative minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins. In this procedure, a bio-adhesive called cyanoacrylate is inserted into the diseased veins using a small catheter. The adhesive seals the affected veins off and stops blood from flowing through them. Blood flow is instead redirected towards healthier veins. Eventually, the disease veins are reabsorbed by the body and fade away.
How much does VenaSeal cost?
The cost for VenaSeal depends on the extent of spider and/or varicose veins as larger spider and varicose veins may require multiple sessions, and the state where you are getting treatment. The cost of vein treatment varies depending upon the severity of your varicose veins and even the state you are living in. However, VenaSeal is one of the more expensive vein treatment procedures. A single procedure can cost upwards of $3,000 upto $15,000.
Is VenaSeal covered by insurance?
VenaSeal procedures for varicose vein treatments are covered by most insurance companies, as long as they are deemed ‘medically necessary’. For this, some insurance companies may require a referral to cover treatment so they can verify that it is medically necessary. Even then, it is possible for the front office staff at the vein center to obtain a referral on your behalf. Speak to the vein center about this when you book your appointment. They can then gain an understanding of your insurance coverage and maybe even obtain a referral for you without you having to go through the hassle of visiting your primary care physician.
How is VenaSeal done?
VenaSeal procedure does not require general anaesthesia, although a local anaesthesia is applied. A specialised, small catheter will then be used to insert the bio-adhesive into the diseased veins. The doctor will use ultrasound to guide the catheter into the correct position. Once the bio-adhesive has been delivered, the doctor will then give the bio-adhesive a few minutes to set. This will continue throughout the whole length of the diseased vein to ensure that the vein is sealed completely.
After the procedure ends, you will be asked to get up and walk about. The procedure takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending upon the extent of diseased veins you want to treat. VenaSeal is an outpatient treatment procedure, meaning you will not be required to stay overnight and can go home after the procedure.
Is VenaSeal safe?
VenaSeal is generally a very safe and simple procedure. Like with any medical procedure, VenaSeal comes with certain risks and potential side effects. Side effects can include swelling and bruising on the area of treatment, which should subside on its own within a few days or weeks after treatment. There is also a very small risk of allergic reactions, infection, ulceration, visible scarring, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risks of developing these side effects depend on your surgeon’s abilities and your body’s temperament. This is why it is important to make sure you do enough research on finding the right vein specialists for your treatment. Your doctor will discuss the likelihood of the risks against the benefits of the procedure with you before the procedure.
How do I prepare for VenaSeal?
Your doctor will brief you on how to prepare for the procedure beforehand. Generally, you will need to keep the following things in mind:
- Do your research on the procedure. This will help you understand what you are getting into, and if you need clarification on anything, you will be able to ask your doctor.
- Let your doctor know about any allergies you may have, including medication or iodine. This is especially important to prevent severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shocks.
- Don’t shave your leg the morning of the procedure. You will have a sterilizing wash that can cause razor burn irritation if you shave in the morning.
- Eat your meals as you normally would. You don’t have to worry about fasting or dietary restrictions.
- Take any medications you normally would. Unlike with some other vein procedures, you don’t need to worry about not taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, or any other medication with this procedure.
- Bring an iPod or prepare a playlist of music in your phone and bring your earphones. The procedure can take 30 to 60 minutes, and it may be nice and relaxing for you to have music to listen to during the procedure.
The Vein Clinic boasts a team of highly experienced vein doctors who are at the top of their fields and have all been trained at Ivy League universities. All our doctors are fellowship trained and double board certified. With cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology and world class medical infrastructure at their disposal, these vein specialists use the most advanced procedures to treat their patients. To top it all, our doctors know to keep patients’ comfort ahead and treat them with friendliness, patience, and kindness.
Our vein clinic at San Diego is currently located near the Torrey Pine beach state park, close to the Westfield UTC Shopping Center. Our experienced Harvard-trained vein doctors can offer the best care possible to help you.