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Discover Venaseal: Expert Glue Ablation Procedure by Dr. Luis Figueroa for Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

  • Ontario Vascular
  • Sep 12
  • 5 min read

Imagine reducing leg discomfort and swelling without surgery or lengthy recovery—Venaseal glue ablation offers a minimally invasive option. This advanced treatment uses a special medical-grade adhesive to seal diseased veins, guiding blood flow back to healthier vessels with minimal disruption.


Medical-Grade Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

Medical-grade cyanoacrylate adhesives are specially formulated for medical applications, designed to create strong, sterile bonds quickly and efficiently.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll explore the VenaSeal procedure, understand why Dr. Luis Figueroa’s specialized expertise is valuable, learn how to prepare and recover, compare VenaSeal to other treatments, weigh its benefits and risks, consider cost and insurance, and find out how to book your consultation. By understanding each step and consideration, you can determine if glue ablation might be a good option to discuss with a licensed provider.


What Is the Venaseal Glue Ablation Procedure?

Venaseal glue ablation is a non-thermal, non-tumescent technique for vein closure. It uses a cyanoacrylate adhesive delivered through a catheter, guided by ultrasound, to seal targeted veins. This method avoids the use of heat or extensive numbing and allows patients to walk immediately after the procedure, with generally quick recovery.


Venaseal - Glue Ablation

How Does the VenaSeal Closure System Work with Cyanoacrylate Adhesive?

The VenaSeal Closure System involves a slender catheter inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance:

  • The adhesive is injected in specific segments.

  • The cyanoacrylate bonds the vein walls together.

  • The sealed vein collapses, and blood reroutes through healthy veins.

This approach is designed to reduce nerve irritation and avoid thermal damage.


Which Conditions Does Venaseal Treat?

Venaseal may be considered for:

  • Varicose veins involving the great or small saphenous veins

  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), associated with leg heaviness or swelling

  • Venous reflux that may cause aching, itching, or skin changes

These potential applications aim to restore circulation and ease leg discomfort. However, treatment suitability must be determined by a licensed healthcare provider.


What Are the FDA and Health Canada Approvals for Venaseal?

  • FDA Approval: 2015, for use in treating symptomatic superficial varicose veins in the legs using adhesive.

  • Health Canada Approval: 2014, for similar indications.


Why Choose Dr. Luis Figueroa for Your Venaseal Treatment?

Dr. Luis Figueroa is a board-certified vascular surgeon specializing in minimally invasive vein procedures. His practice emphasizes technical precision combined with patient-centered care, which supports positive outcomes with Venaseal and other advanced treatments.


What Is Dr. Figueroa’s Experience and Board Certification in Vascular Surgery?

Dr. Figueroa holds an MD and FRCSC, with board certification in vascular surgery. With over a decade of experience in endovenous treatments, he has performed numerous Venaseal procedures and focuses on optimizing both clinical results and patient comfort.


How Does Dr. Figueroa’s Patient-Centred Approach Enhance Venaseal Outcomes?

  • Detailed vein mapping using duplex ultrasound

  • Real-time comfort adjustments during the procedure

  • Scheduled follow-up ultrasounds to confirm vein closure

This approach supports a smoother healing process and patient satisfaction.


What Are the Unique Benefits of Venaseal at Dr. Figueroa’s Clinic?

  • Minimal discomfort, with only local anesthesia

  • Avoids general or tumescent anesthesia

  • Return to normal activity often within 24 hours

  • In many cases, compression stockings are not required post-procedure


Note: The need for compression or additional care is determined individually by your healthcare provider.


What to Expect During the Venaseal Procedure by Dr. Luis Figueroa

Your visit is structured for comfort and efficiency, including pre-procedure planning, a step-by-step procedure, and clear instructions for post-care.


How Should You Prepare for Your Venaseal Treatment?

  • Attend an initial consultation and ultrasound vein mapping

  • Stay well-hydrated and eat a light meal before the procedure

  • Wear loose clothing for easy access to the legs


What Happens During the Venaseal Glue Ablation Procedure?

The procedure lasts about 15–30 minutes:

  1. Local anesthesia is given at the catheter insertion site

  2. A thin catheter is inserted using ultrasound guidance

  3. Cyanoacrylate adhesive is injected in small amounts

  4. Gentle compression is applied to help bond the vein walls


What Is the Post-Procedure Recovery and Care Process?

Recommendation

Benefit

Timeframe

Light walking

Encourages healthy circulation

Immediately after

Elevate legs

Helps reduce swelling

During the first 24 hours

Avoid heavy lifting

Prevents discomfort

For the first week

Following your provider’s post-care instructions will support recovery.


How Does Venaseal Compare to Other Varicose Vein Treatments?

Venaseal differs by using a non-thermal adhesive instead of heat.


Compared to Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT):

  • No need for tumescent anesthesia

  • Reduced nerve irritation risk

  • Shorter recovery time


Compared to Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):

  • No thermal energy or fluid injections

  • Fewer procedural steps

  • Similar closure rates with fewer heat-related risks


What Other Varicose Vein Treatments Are Available?

  • Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution to irritate and close veins

  • Microphlebectomy: Surgical removal of visible veins

  • Conservative management: Compression garments and lifestyle strategies


Each option has specific indications, and treatment selection is based on medical evaluation.


What Are the Benefits and Risks of Venaseal Glue Ablation?

Potential Benefits:

  • Minimal pain with local anesthesia

  • Quick return to daily activities

  • High closure rates reported in studies¹

  • In many cases, no need for compression stockings


¹Note: Success rates can vary by individual case and clinical context.


Possible Side Effects and Risks:

  • Bruising or tenderness at the site

  • Temporary vein inflammation (phlebitis)

  • Rare allergic reactions to the adhesive

Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, but any concerns should be discussed with a provider.


How Successful Is Venaseal Long-Term?

High success rates have been reported, with one-year closure rates around 98% and five-year durability near 94.6% according to published clinical data². Clinical studies, such as the five-year follow-up study by Morrison et al., have shown a 94.6% vein closure rate with sustained symptom improvement².


How Much Does Venaseal Cost and Is It Covered by Insurance?

Cost Influencing Factors:

  • Number and size of veins treated

  • Ultrasound and procedural fees

  • Pre- and post-care services


Insurance Coverage:

Venaseal may be covered if medically necessary, typically requiring documentation of symptoms and vein reflux via duplex ultrasound. Contact your provider for coverage details.


Financing Options:

  • Flexible payment plans

  • Third-party medical financing

  • In-office deferred payment programs


Where and How Can You Consult with Dr. Luis Figueroa for Venaseal Treatment?

Call or use our online form to book your consultation. During the visit, Dr. Figueroa will review your ultrasound, discuss your goals, and tailor a plan to your needs.


What Do Patients Say About Their Venaseal Experience with Dr. Figueroa?

Many patients praise Dr. Figueroa’s clear communication, gentle care, and thorough follow-up. Reports of symptom improvement and quick recovery are common, though individual experiences vary.


Where Is Dr. Figueroa’s Clinic Located and What Are the Service Areas?

Located in Toronto’s North York region, Dr. Figueroa’s clinic provides modern vein care to the surrounding communities with advanced facilities and same-day ultrasound mapping.


Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical evaluation or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical concerns. ² Morrison, N., Gibson, K., McEnroe, S., Goldman, M., King, T., Weiss, R., & Cher, D. (2017). Five-Year Extension Study of the VenaSeal System for the Treatment of Saphenous Vein Incompetence. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 5(3), 321–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.10.075

 
 
 

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