As you may already know, Venaseal is a treatment that involves the application of a Medical Grade ‘Superglue’ into the disease vein, that collapses and permanently seals the vein off. It is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that takes approximately 15 minutes in experienced hands.
What is Venaseal made of?
Venaseal adhesive is a special type of medical super-glue referred to as a “Cyanoacrylate”. It is very carefully formulated in specially designed labs and has some unique properties when compared to other medical grade glues on the market.
- When it comes into contact with blood within the vein wall, it polymerises rapidly. What this means is that it rapidly seals the vein shut upon application, with minimal migration.
- It is very soft and elastic, so that it is undetectable by the patient after application.
- Has an “anti-microbial” effect against gram positive organisms.
- No adverse long term effects.
Cyanoacrylates have been in use since the 1950s. They have been used in repairing wounds and skin incisions. As an emergency doctor, one of our go-to treatments for children with lacerations was ‘Histoacryl Blue skin adhesive’. It was quick and avoided the need for suturing, particularly when faced with a distressed and alarmed child.
It has also been used in the following areas of medicine:
- Ophthalmic surgery
- Cosmetic Procedures
- Dental
- Orthopaedic
- Intravascular Occlusion of Cerebral Arterio-Venous Malformations (AVMs), Varicoceles and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and Gastric Varices.
