FDA approves varicose vein treatment

By Rosie Wilson
VenaSeal, a closure system for the permanent treatment for varicose veins, has been approved by the FDA. The product, which has been created by medical technology company Covidien, uses a specially formulated medical adhesive to close lower superficial extremities.

The FDA report that VenaSeal adhesive should be injected via a catheter. Proper placement of the adhesive is monitored using ultrasound. The technique is minimally invasive and produces little to no bruising, although the FDA also warn that VenaSeal is not appropriate for patients who have a known hypersensitivity to the product, acute inflammation of the veins due to blood clotes or acute whole-body infection.

William Maisel, acting director of the Office of Device Evaluation in the FDA’s Centre for Devices and Radiological Health, said:

“This new system is the first to permanently treat varicose veins by sealing them with an adhesive, thereby giving patients another treatment option for this common condition. Because the VenaSeal system does not incorporate heat application or cutting, the in-office procedure can allow patients to quickly return to their normal activities, with less bruising.”