This article compares two approaches side by side to clarify how they differ in principle and practice. Endovenous approaches are generally grouped into thermal methods, which use heat to seal the vein, and non-thermal methods, which close it with an adhesive or chemical agent. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) sits on the same disease spectrum and can present with aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, and in advanced cases venous ulceration. Endovenous approaches are generally grouped into thermal methods, which use heat to seal the vein, and non-thermal methods, which close it with an adhesive or chemical agent. Modern management has shifted from open surgical stripping toward catheter-based endovenous techniques that are typically performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
Sclerotherapy vs Laser treatment: Key Differences
Sclerotherapy is generally best suited to smaller spider and reticular veins, using an injected agent to close them. Laser (endovenous) ablation is aimed at larger, refluxing axial veins that drive the underlying venous hypertension. In practice the two are complementary: the axial source is often ablated first, and residual surface veins are then treated with sclerotherapy. The order and combination are planned by the clinician based on ultrasound findings.
How INVAMED Supports Both Approaches
INVAMED groups its venous portfolio around the way each device closes an incompetent vein, giving clinicians thermal, non-thermal, and adjunct options. Catheter shafts, fiber options, and RF stylets are offered in ranges intended to cover varied vein anatomy; exact specifications are provided in product documentation. Procurement teams should confirm local regulatory registration and indication status, which vary by market.
Key Considerations
- Device figures cited by INVAMED describe studied performance and should not be read as individual guarantees.
- Vein diameter, depth, and tortuosity influence whether a thermal or non-thermal device is more suitable.
- Accurate duplex ultrasound mapping before treatment is central to identifying the source of reflux and planning device placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the regulatory status of these devices?
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Is endovenous ablation done as day surgery?
Endovenous ablation is typically an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, though the exact setting is determined by the clinician and facility.
Does INVAMED offer both thermal and non-thermal vein devices?
Yes. INVAMED's venous line includes thermal systems (LaserBLOCK laser and ThermoBLOCK radiofrequency) and a non-thermal cyanoacrylate system (VenaBLOCK).
About INVAMED
INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development. INVAMED is a medical device manufacturer headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, founded in 2005.
Clinical and Technical Context
INVAMED's ThermoBLOCK system pairs an RF generator with dedicated catheters and stylets and, according to the company, maintains vein-wall temperatures in the 85–120 °C range depending on protocol. Both thermal and non-thermal INVAMED devices can be applied to saphenous targets, with the choice guided by vein diameter and clinician judgment. All INVAMED venous devices are intended for use by trained clinicians under ultrasound guidance and per the IFU. Adjunct chemical agents complement device-based closure by addressing residual superficial branches. Because varicose disease reflects an ongoing tendency, follow-up and surveillance help detect new reflux early. Device selection depends on vein anatomy, diameter, tortuosity, and clinician preference, and is always determined on a case-by-case basis by the treating physician. As with all venous treatments, the agent, concentration, and volume are selected by the clinician for the specific vein being treated. Device figures cited by INVAMED describe studied performance and should not be read as individual guarantees.
Important Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and technical information about medical device technologies. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Any decision about diagnosis or treatment should be made by a licensed clinician based on an individual assessment. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) and local regulatory approvals. Product availability and indications vary by country.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.