ClariVein is a special catheter that is used to treat chronic venous insufficiency. In this condition, the walls or valves of the veins in the legs do not work effectively, which causes blood to collect or “pool” in these veins instead of returning to the heart. ClariVein offers advantages over other treatments for this condition, such as sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation.
How does ClariVein work?
The ClariVein catheter is a tube that is inserted into a vein through a pin-sized puncture in your skin. The tip of the catheter has a wire that rapidly rotates 360 degrees to coat the lining of the vein with a special medication. The spinning action of the wire helps the medication absorb and work more effectively. The procedures takes around 15 minutes.
The combination of damage done to the inner vein wall by the spinning wire and the medication causes the vein to close off. When this happens, your blood flows to nearby, healthier veins instead. This type of procedure is known as mechanochemical ablation (MOCA).
Several studies have found that use of ClariVein is safe and effective, but it is unclear if the treated veins will remain closed permanently.
What are the benefits of ClariVein?
Vein treatment with ClariVein has several advantages:
- High safety and effectiveness
- Less pain, discomfort and bruising compared to other techniques
- Low risk of thermal (heat) damage
- Low risk of damage to surrounding nerves or skin
- Quick recovery
Unlike endovenous thermal ablation that uses laser or radiofrequency energy, ClariVein doesn’t require the use of heat to close the vein, which means that there is less risk of damage to the skin and nerves. The ClariVein catheter is also thinner than those used in radiofrequency and laser ablation.
As a result, patients experience less pain, discomfort and bruising during and after the procedure. Because of the lower pain level and lack of heating. There is also no need for tumescent anesthesia to be injected into the leg. Tumescent anesthesia requires multiple injections and causes the leg to swell.
Most people are able to return to work and resume their normal activities immediately after the Clarivein procedure. You will need to wear a compression stocking for two weeks while you heal.
Updated Aug. 10, 2017
