Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rohan Parab, M.D,  FRCPC (Diagnostic Radiology), FRCPC (Interventional Radiology)

What is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is used to treat refluxing or varicose veins that are difficult to see and inject. By using an ultrasound machine, deeper veins are easier to visualize, dramatically lowering the need for surgery. This technique is especially useful for veins that recur after surgery and can occasionally negate surgery altogether.

Sclerotherapy Procedure Details

• The procedure beings with a leg examination while the patient is standing or lying down. Using ultrasound, the physician identifies the anatomy and competency of the veins.
• Once the veins are mapped out, the patient reclines comfortably on the exam table.
• Small butterfly needles are placed directly into the vein using ultrasound guidance, usually in 1-3 locations.
• Once the needles are in place, a medication is carefully injected and monitored on the ultrasound screen. This medication helps close the refluxing vein.
• Immediately after the procedure, a medical-grade compression stocking is applied.
• Patients must wear the stocking for 48 hours after the procedure and from morning until bedtime for an additional 12 days.
• Patients can either bring their own stockings or purchase them from our clinic for $150.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy Costs

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy provided by MIC is not covered by Alberta Health Care. This procedure costs $350 per session.

Return Visits and Post Procedure Timeline

All patients must return for two additional visits following their procedure:

We will perform an ultrasound seven to ten days post procedure to rule out any complications such as deep vein thrombosis. This complication is extremely rare and only occurs in <0.1% of cases.

8-12 weeks post-procedure, we will perform another ultrasound to determine how well the veins have responded to treatment.

There are no fees for these follow-up visits; however, if a second treatment is required after the follow-up, the usual fee would apply ($350).