Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (USGS)

Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (USGS) is a minimally invasive procedure which is performed in our office to treat venous disease. It’s also known as chemical ablation. USGS can be performed alone, or at the same time as a thermal ablation (RFA or EVLT).

What happens during the USGS procedure?

This procedure is performed in our office and generally doesn’t require local anesthesia. During this procedure, we use an ultrasound machine to guide us as we place a needle into your unhealthy veins. Then a medicine, called a sclerosant, is injected into the vein. Over the next several weeks, the medicine will cause the bad veins to collapse and shut down. Your body will then use other, healthier veins to return the used blood to the heart.

USGS allows us to treat veins that are either too difficult or are unsafe to be treated with RFA or EVLT procedures.

What should I expect after the USGS procedure?

A compression stocking to be placed on the treated leg for one to three weeks. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure and resume most normal activity right away. Most individuals are able to return to work the next day.

What should I expect after the USGS procedure?

After the procedure, a compression stocking will be placed on your leg. You will wear that stocking for most of the next week. You wear it around the clock for the first day, then you wear it during the day and take it off at night for the next 7 days.

You should avoid strenuous activity for a week after each procedure. We advise you not to lift anything heavier than 20 lbs for that week. We do want you to be active though. We advise frequent low impact activity, like walking, starting on the day of the procedure.

Some post-procedure bruising is possible. The bruising and any discomfort usually resolve quickly.

The USGS procedure allows for effective treatment of your vein issues with a comfortable recovery and a prompt return to everyday activities.