ClariVein
ClariVein. ClariVein®IC is a specialty infusion catheter with a rotating wire tip designed for the controlled 360-degree dispersion of physician-specified agents to the targeted treatment area. The ClariVein®IC is fully disposable, minimally invasive, and can be efficiently used in an office setting. ClariVein®IC offers many patient benefits including minimal post-operative pain and faster recovery. Introduced through a microintroducer, infusion is through an opening at the distal end of the catheter and fluid delivery by use of a rotating dispersion wire.
ClariVein is a non-thermal treatment option. ClariVein is also referred to as mechano-chemical ablation. Thermal ablation, laser and radio-frequency work great but require around 6 or 7 needle injections to bathe the target vessel with tumescent anesthesia. This process of anesthetizing the vein does create mild discomfort in patient's and, as mentioned, requires a number of needle injections.
The ClariVein procedure is performed with just 1 needle injection and requires no additional anesthesia. Also, if the target vessel is less than 1 centimeter beneath the skin surface then neither radiofrequency or laser is applicable due to the risk of thermal injury to the overlying skin. Since ClariVein requires no heat, it is a clear 1st line treatment modality for that subset of patients.
The procedure typically takes about 20 min. ClariVein does require that patients wear compression for 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Nellestein Vein Institute is the only facility within 40,000 sq miles currently offering this treatment modality. Medicare currently allows ClariVein on all patients, but private insurances consider it on a case by case basis.
Varithena
Varithena is another state of the art non-thermal ablation intervention utilized at the Nellestein Vein Institute for treating chronic venous insufficiency involving the greater saphenous vein, anterior accessory saphenous vein and small saphenous vein.
Dr. Nellestein inserts a very small IV into the target vein. He then administers a small amount of Varithena® through the catheter. The Varithena® microfoam fills and treats the desired section of the vein. The diseased vein collapses and the microfoam is deactivated. When the malfunctioning vein collapses, blood flow shifts to healthier veins nearby.
Varithena is perfect for the patient with a subcutaneous vein. The entire vein can be treated with 1 needle injection which is used to instill the pre packaged Varithena medication.
Varithena is currently approved by insurance companies and Medicare on a case by case basis.
