Site navigation

Navigation

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins

 
Guidance issued
 
Number: IPG314

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins in August 2009.

This replaced the previous guidance on Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins (Interventional Procedures Guidance no.217, May 2007) and Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins (Interventional Procedures Guidance no.182, June 2006)

 

Description

Varicose veins are veins that have become wider than normal and are unable to transport blood properly. Symptoms include heaviness, aching, throbbing, itching, cramps or fatigue in the legs. In severe cases, patients may have skin discolouration, inflammation, or skin ulcers. Foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a foam (which may either be a prepared product, or produced by mixing a chemical with air or other gas) into the affected vein. This inflames the vein and causes it to close Sometimes patients may need more than one injection to block the vein.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Special
Topic area:
Cardiovascular
Surgical procedures
Specialty:
General surgery
Specialist advice has been sought from:
Date notified to NICE:
24 November 2003
Guidance issue date:
26 August 2009

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Ben Doak
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: