REPOST: New varicose vein treatment gets U.S. approval

The FDA recently gave its approval to British pharmaceutical company BTG to launch Varithena, minimally-invasive treatment for varicose veins, in the US. New York Daily News has the details.

Varicose veins, which afflict many men and women as they age, can be painful as well as unsightly for some. | Image source: Media for Medical/UIG via Getty Images via NYDailyNews.com

Lovers of short skirts, rejoice: A new treatment for varicose veins has been approved in the U.S., its maker says.

British pharmaceutical firm BTG announced this week that its treatment, Varithena — previously known as Varisolve — has been given Food and Drug Administration approval.

Varithena uses an injectible foam to dissolve veins as an alternative to surgical removal, Reuters reported.

Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, the company's chief executive Louise Makin said the product would set a new standard for the treatment of both the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins.

"We look forward to the commercial U.S. launch in the second quarter of 2014, and to continuing to advance our plans to expand use into other geographies and into non-symptomatic veins," she said.

Varicose veins — the twisted, enlarged and sometimes painful veins near the surface of skin that typically form on legs and feet — can show up with age, because of genetic disposition, or due to other factors like obesity, pregnancy, or having to stand for long periods of time. They affect more than 30 million adults aged 18 to 70 in the U.S., with women twice as likely as men to develop the condition.

Current treatments include surgically stripping or closing the vein using laser or heat treatments.

BTG said Varithena was minimally invasive and avoided the need for surgery and sedation, Reuters reported. The company's guidance for the product focuses on the medical market, but analysts told the news agency that cosmetic use could also present a "significant opportunity."

The company had worked for 10 years to obtain FDA approval.

With News Wire Services

Dr. Raymond Little has years of experience treating varicose veins as founder and CEO of The Vein Institute and MediSpa. Visit this site for more about advancements in vascular therapy.

Function and fashion: Compression stockings need not be boring

One of the recommended treatments for varicose veins is the wearing of compression stockings. The Mayo Clinic sees it as a first approach in treating varicose veins before trying on other treatment procedures.

Image Source: MedicalExpo.com

Compression stockings vary in fitness and the amount of compression they provide, depending on the type and brand. Typically, they are beige-colored, thick, and clinical-looking—a standard appearance that has repelled some women.

Fortunately, there are companies today that manufacture functional and fashionable compression stockings. RejuvaHealth, for instance, creates compression stockings with designer fashion patterns—thigh-high stockings with lace “stay-up” bands that resemble lingerie, sheer knee-high compression socks with floral or printed patterns, and athletic leggings and capris. LegLuxe also has a line of elegant compression stockings that not only promote good blood circulation but also help elongate the legs.

Image Source: Rejuvahealth.com

T.J. Simpson shares on Yahoo! how she used to feel miserable for wearing “hideous,” “uncomfortable,” and “unfeminine” compression stockings. Now, she enjoys wearing them in breathable microfibers and fashionable designs. “I'm also having fun experimenting with fashionable compression legwear, as more companies are realizing that women should be able to look stylish as well [as have] comfort,” she says.

While wearing compression stockings may relieve vein disease symptoms, it will not make the varicose veins go away. Sclerotherapy, surgical vein stripping, and endovenous laser therapy remain the most effective options in treating varicose veins.

Image Source: TonusEurope.com

Dr. Raymond Little specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and spider veins using sclerotherapy, surgical vein stripping, and other proven techniques. Learn more about varicose vein treatments on this website.