PGI has become the first centre in the country to start FDA approved treatment “Endovenous superglue obliteration of varicose veins.” This non-painful treatment does not involve multiple injections as in conventional treatment.
The new technique doesn’t need admission unlike the traditional way done by laser or radiofrequency ablation, hence ensures the patient’s rapid return to activity and early discharge. With the help of this new technique, two patients, Satya Kaul (66) and Rajwant Kaur (44) were operated and discharged soon. Dr Ajay Savlania, vascular surgeon and his team from the department of general surgery PGI said that this would be future of varicose vein treatment as it is a nonthermal based procedure which just requires one needle prick. Dr Andrew Jones was with the team as a proctor from Oregon. The cost of the glue is Rs 50,000 while the laser and its consumables cost around Rs 1.5 lakh.
This procedure involves a needle placed after numbing the skin around the knee and a catheter inserted from there until groin. The glue is injected through this catheter under the ultrasound guidance. The glue should not enter the deep veins. The glue act as an adhesive which sticks the punctured veins and becomes a part of the body.
As the veins carrying blood from the body during circulation to the heart for oxygenation have to work against gravity, the muscle contractions in the lower legs act as a pump to do so. There are small valves in the veins which act as a door and open as blood flows toward the heart. It also closes to stop the backward flow. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, causing the veins to stretch or twist. This condition is called varicose vein.
The symptoms include dark purple or blue veins. The veins will appear twisted and bulging on legs. Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs and Itching around one or more veins. When painful signs and symptoms occur, it may include an achy or heavy feeling in legs.
Source: Times of India