Thursday, April 8, 2010

New Injection for Small Varicose Veins Approved by the FDA

The FDA announced on March 31st that polidocanol (marketed in the US as Asclera) has been approved as a treatment for varicose veins. Asclera works its magic by damaging the cell lining in the blood vessels, causing them to close. Eventually the blood vessel is replaced by other types of tissue. The product is approved for veins less than 1 mm in diameter and reticular veins 1-3mm in diameter. (As a reference, there are 24 mm to one inch).

There are three primary types of venous problems: varicose veins, reticular veins and spider veins. Spider veins are generally very tiny, while varicose veins are quite noticeable and generally develop on the legs. Reticular veins are mild and generally cause little in the way of discomfort. Vein treatments generally include lasers, broad band light and/or sclerosing agents.

Few side effects were noted by the FDA, including leakage or blood collection from the injected vessels at the injection site, as well as potential for bruising, irritation, discoloration and discomfort at the injection site.

5 comments:

  1. What is your opinion on this? Do you think it is better than traditional methods?

    Our company specialises in compression hosiery to aid venous problems and it would be interesting to know your perspective on new developments in the venous world!

    Charlotte
    Daylong.co.uk

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  2. Interesting post. I have been noticing some spider veins starting in my legs, I would like to speak to a dermatology specialist in New Jersey to see if there is anything that can be done.

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  3. The obesity is also one such cause of arising of varicose veins. This is such great information shared here and is really very useful.


    spider veins

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  4. The laser is inserted through the skin directly into the affected vein and the heat produced by the laser heats the vein to collapse.
    varicose veins

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  5. WOW, that's interesting! I should tell my mom that it's now available and it's FDA approved. We have a lot of spider vein removal treatment centers in our area and we are excited to try this out for my mom.

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