ClariVein^®: A New Technique for Treating Varicose Veins

Varicose veins often occur in the legs due to failure of the saphenous vein's one-way valve system causing reflux. Elevated pressure along the veins in the lower leg causes surface veins to bulge, with associated pain, swelling, fatigue, restless legs, and eventually non-healing sores near the ankle.

Treatment of venous disease is based on eliminating the source of reflux. Several therapeutic options are available, one of which is ClariVein.

ClariVein is done in the office, using only a tiny amount of local anesthesia. Through a small IV in the leg, a ClariVein device passes into the vein combining sclerotherapy with manipulation of the interior of the vein, causing the vein to permanently close, eliminating the elevated pressure in the lower leg veins.

The ClairVein device is the size of a small wire. This wire rotates rapidly, disturbing the inner lining of the vein we intend to treat. Sclerotherapy medicine is then inserted through the wire into the injured vein causing the refluxing vein to contract and seal closed. Sclerotherapy has been used for decades to treat vein problems of all kinds.

The ClariVein procedure has no need for the use of tumescent anesthetic, which is needed to numb the target vein in heat-based reflux treatment.

Patients will feel a slight "buzzing" in the thigh as the treatment progresses, but there is little discomfort.

Clinical Results

While there is not currently long term data on the effectiveness of the technique, the one year results may be comparable to established, heat-based treatment devices (VNUS Closure and laser). Indications are that ClariVein may provide a safe, effective and lasting technique for the treatment of venous reflux. From a scientific standpoint, longer term data is necessary to know if ClariVein will be accepted as an established alternative. Use of the technique by experienced vein doctors is growing across the country.

In our practice, ClariVein joins VNUS Closure as a treatment for venous reflux. Certain unique patient variables and vein characteristics make the physician's choice of one vein procedure better than another for you. Your physician is best able to discuss with you the optimal method of treatment. Drs. McNeill or Rosenberg will discuss the best option for your care.