Why is ClariVein the best way to treat significant varicose veins?
ClariVein has overcome the risks of previous varicose vein treatments such as laser (EVLT) , radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ultrasound ablation. These treatments although equally effective, work by burning the vein and therefore require the injection of large amounts of local anaesthetic. These multiple injections are painful and give a tight sensation in the leg. ClariVein has been shown to be 2.8 times less painful than Laser.
The risk of heating up the vein is that there are nerves directly beside the veins and if they get burnt there is nerve damage which can cause significant problems especially below the knee. ClariVein doesn’t work using heat so cannot cause nerve damage.
| Failure at first follow up appointment | Nerve Damage | Return to Work in days | Recurrent Varicose Veins | Years follow up | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClariVein | 4% | Zero | Same day | 11 | 3 |
| Laser (EVLT) | 6.8% | 5-10% | 3.6 | 38.6 | 5 |
| Radiofrequency (RFA) | 5.8% | 5-26% | 2.9 | 18.7 | 5 |
| Foam | 31.5% | Zero | 2.9 | 31.7 | 5 |
| Open Surgery | 6.3% | 5-10% | 4.3 | 23.4 | 5 |
Foam sclerotherapy has good results for small veins but has a high recurrence rate for major veins.
Cyanoacrylate glue causes a phlebitis reaction in 20% of people which causes pain for 1-2 weeks and also allergic reactions like contact eczema are common. It is equally painful to radiofrequency ablation. It is more expensive.
ClariVein is therefore virtually pain free, cannot cause nerve damage, does not cause allergic reactions and yet has the same excellent results as other treatments. Because it is less painful, patients can walk in, have a 45 minute treatment and then walk out and drive back to work with no time off.
References:- Venous News September 2017, November 2017, March 2019
