UGFS : ULTRASOUND-GUIDED FOAM THERAPY
The use of sclerotherapy has dated back 100 years. Ultrasound-guided foam therapy (UGFS) has opened up new ways of treating varicose veins. UGFS uses the same principles of liquid sclerotherapy by combining a sclerosing agent (STS) + air to create a foam solution. The solution is then injected into the vein(s) under ultrasound guidance thus obliterating the varicose vein(s).

UGFS : SCLEROTHERAPY FOR VARICOSE VEINS
The two most popular sclerosing agents available to us are Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS) and Polidocanol.

In our practice UGFS is used in conjunction with other vein treatment (either endovenous laser or venous closure) or on its own if varicose veins still persist. A ratio of STS:Air is used to create the foam. The foam works by pushing the blood out of the way and occupying that space, thus interacting with the endothelium of the vein wall. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle into the correct position in the vein. The procedure itself is painless although you may feel a mild ache or cramp which subsides after a few minutes.

Upon completion of the procedure your leg(s) will be wrapped and your compression stockings (20-30mmHg) are to be worn. You will be asked to walk around our office for 5min before leaving. The dressing can be discarded the next day. You are to wear your compression stockings continuously for the first 24hrs. and then during the waking hours for the next 7 days.

You will need to schedule a follow up appointment at which time a brief ultrasound study will be done to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. You may have some mild bruising, which will resolve with time. Post procedures in detail will be given at the time of discharge.