This article explains, in educational terms, sclerotherapy and adjunct agents — how the technology works and where it fits. Modern management has shifted from open surgical stripping toward catheter-based endovenous techniques that are typically performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. 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
Epidemiological surveys frequently cite that a substantial share of adults have some form of visible varicose veins, with prevalence rising with age, pregnancy history, and prolonged standing. Modern management has shifted from open surgical stripping toward catheter-based endovenous techniques that are typically performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. 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.
Sclerotherapy and Adjunct Agents
Sclerotherapy injects a liquid or foamed agent that irritates the vein lining and causes it to close, and is often used for smaller tributary and spider veins. It is frequently combined with endovenous ablation of the underlying axial vein rather than used alone for large-diameter reflux. Adjunct chemical agents complement device-based closure by addressing residual superficial branches. As with all venous treatments, the agent, concentration, and volume are selected by the clinician for the specific vein being treated.
Design and Technical Notes
INVAMED groups its venous portfolio around the way each device closes an incompetent vein, giving clinicians thermal, non-thermal, and adjunct options. Graduated compression is commonly used after ablation to support the treated limb, per clinician protocol. Vein diameter, depth, and tortuosity influence whether a thermal or non-thermal device is more suitable.
Key Considerations
- Because varicose disease reflects an ongoing tendency, follow-up and surveillance help detect new reflux early.
- Device figures cited by INVAMED describe studied performance and should not be read as individual guarantees.
- Graduated compression is commonly used after ablation to support the treated limb, per clinician protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wavelength does the INVAMED laser use?
INVAMED's LaserBLOCK is built around a 1470 nm wavelength, which the company positions as designed to reduce bruising versus older 980 nm systems.
Are these devices CE marked?
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins are intended to stay closed, but new varicose veins can develop over time because treatment addresses existing disease rather than the underlying predisposition.
About INVAMED
INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development. INVAMED states it maintains a growing portfolio of international patents across its device range.
Clinical and Technical Context
Both thermal and non-thermal INVAMED devices can be applied to saphenous targets, with the choice guided by vein diameter and clinician judgment. INVAMED's portfolio includes small-vein RF ablation needles and the VeinOFF treatment agent as adjuncts to its main ablation platforms. INVAMED's VenaBLOCK is its NTNT offering; candidacy is still assessed individually because vein size and location influence which method is appropriate. INVAMED reports 95%+ efficacy for saphenous reflux with ThermoBLOCK; as with all such figures, real-world outcomes are determined by patient selection and technique. Because varicose disease reflects an ongoing tendency, follow-up and surveillance help detect new reflux early. As with all venous treatments, the agent, concentration, and volume are selected by the clinician for the specific vein being treated. A staged, anatomy-led approach is standard, and the sequence of treatment is planned by the treating physician. Vein diameter, depth, and tortuosity influence whether a thermal or non-thermal device is more suitable.
Important Disclaimer
The information here is provided for educational purposes and to describe device technology; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether a given procedure or device is appropriate for a specific patient. INVAMED products are restricted to use by qualified professionals following the official IFU. Regulatory clearance and labeling differ between regions, and not all products or indications are available in every market.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.