Varicose veins glue vs Thermal (laser / RF) Ablation treatment (surgery)

Endothermal glue and thermal (laser or RadioFrequency) ablation are two minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of varicose veins, a common condition affecting around 25% of adults. Both procedures have grown in popularity in recent years and have advantages over conventional surgical procedures.

Glue treatment:

Also known as endovenous glue ablation, is a technique that uses a specially formulated medical glue to seal the diseased vein. The glue is delivered into the vein through a small catheter, and once in place, it solidifies and seals the vein, preventing blood flow and rerouting it to healthier veins. 

Advantages of endothermal glue include minimal discomfort during the procedure, faster recovery times, and low risk of complications compared to traditional surgical methods. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. Endothermal glue is also effective in treating small to medium-sized varicose veins and can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as sclerotherapy, for larger veins. After glue, the company recommends there is no need to use medical compression stockings. But if sclerotherapy or other procedures are done; or clinically if the doctor feels, they recommend the use of Medical compression stockings.

Thermal Ablation (laser / Radiofrequency):

On the other hand, thermal ablation involves using heat energy to destroy the affected vein. The most common form of thermal ablation is laser ablation in India, which uses laser energy to heat the vein and cause it to collapse and seal. Radiofrequency ablation is another form of thermal ablation, using RF energy to achieve the same result. Both have equivalent results.

Thermal ablation offers several benefits, including minimal discomfort, fast recovery times, and a low risk of complications. The procedure is mostly finished in less than an hour and may be performed under local anaesthesia. Thermal ablation is also highly effective in treating larger varicose veins, and multiple veins can be treated during a single session. The use of Medical compression stockings is highly recommended after laser or rfa procedure.

While both endothermal glue and thermal ablation are minimally invasive techniques with similar advantages, there are some differences between the two that should be taken into consideration when deciding which is the best option for an individual patient.

Endothermal glue is a relatively new technique and has limited long-term data available, while thermal ablation has been in use for over a decade and has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. Endothermal glue also requires specialized devices and training, making it less widely available than thermal ablation. Endothermal glue may leave a hardened cord-like vein in some cases which may cause discomfort. In extremely rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions to the glue may occur. 

Thermal ablation, on the other hand, may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis. Thermal ablation also carries a small risk of thermal injury to surrounding tissue and nerves.

In conclusion

Both endothermal glue and thermal ablation offer minimally invasive and effective solutions for the treatment of varicose veins. The choice between the two will depend on individual patient circumstances, such as the size and location of the affected veins, and the patient’s overall health. It is recommended that patients discuss the benefits and risks of each option with their doctor to determine the best course of treatment. The use of Class 2 (23-32 mm Hg) medical compression stockings is highly recommended after thermal ablation and sclerotherapy.

References:

1. Duplex Ultrasound and Endothermal Ablation in the Management of Varicose Veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017 Sep;5(5):538-547. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.01.002
2. Radiofrequency Endovenous Closure vs Conventional Treatment for Varicose Veins. J Vasc Surg. 2016 Oct;64(4):1075-1081. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2016.06.113
3. Endovenous Ablation for the Treatment of Varicose Veins: A Comprehensive Review. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2016 Aug;27(8):1155-11