Having varicose veins can result in a variety of health problems. While many associate them with unattractiveness, others suffer from swelling, burning sensations, night cramps and a general discomfort. To escape these issues, people talk to their physicians and specialists in venous problems about treatment. One of several options is sclerotherapy. For varicose veins, this procedure can prove to be very effective.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Physicians have recommended sclerotherapy for varicose veins for over a century. In fact, this treatment – named for the irritants (sclerosants) that are employed, dates back as far as the 1600s, but the most commonly quoted dates are 1836 and 1851. These mark the advent of early injections of sclerosants to sclerose veins. In 1854, Desgranges, cured 16 cases of varicose veins, although there were some serious complications. Yet, it marked the true beginning of sclerotherapy for varicose veins being considered an option.
During the early 20th century, scientific discoveries and improvements in technology resulted in further developments in sclerotherapy for varicose veins treatment. Between 1910, P. Scharf used sublimates. Various researchers including Linser, Sicard and Tournay successfully experiments with a variety of chemicals. However, it was one man, Stuart McAusland who popularized his technique in the United States. McAusland was also one of the first individuals to discuss Foam Sclerotherapy (1939). It was to become a serious topic of discussion during the 1940s as individuals began to develop their own methods of employing it. This was abetted in part by the invention of synthetic sclerosing agents in 1949.
Modern Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
During successive years, methods of injecting the sclerosant were created and adopted. Foam-sclerotherapy for varicose veins included the air block and the empty vein technique. In 1953, Arve Ree, a Norwegian doctor, was the very first to employ pure foam. He did not use either an air-block or a foam-block.
By the end of the 1960s, techniques had advanced and diverse methods had been tried. This included the first low pressure technique. But it was Lorenzo Tessari who in 2000 came up with the method most commonly used by physicians in sclerotherapy for varicose veins. This was the Tourbillon Technique also called Tessari. The next most popular approach is the Double Syringe System (DSS) create the following year.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins: The Future
If you have varicose veins, sclerotherapy is the most common and effective procedure for their removal. It is the “Gold Standard” in certain instances. Over the years, foam sclerotherapy has gained in popularity. It is effective, safe and inexpensive. A non-surgical technique, it offers sufferers hope. Yet, its future as one of the most popular forms of effective sclerotherapy treatment has recently been challenged by a variation. The future may lie with a newer form of foam sclerotherapy. This is foam washout sclerotherapy. It provides all the advantages of foam sclerotherapy with fewer side effects. The development of this type of sclerotherapy for varicose veins affects the present, but will, as time passes, influence future advancements.