Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) or echosclerotherapy has been a significant break through in the modern management of varicose veins. Veins invisible to te naked eye are located with duplex ultrasound and are closed off using sclerosing agents. The ultrasound guides the injection precisely into the target vein. This technique was first described in 1986 and has been practiced in Australia since 1990. Our doctors are probably amongst the most experienced practitioners in Australia.Dr Parsi has been performing this procedure since 1995 and Dr Lim since 1997. 

At Sydney Skin and Vein Clinic, we use high frequency ultrasound systems that allow the doctors to identify and treat vessels as small as 0.2 mm. The ultrasound guidance is provided by a trained vascular sonographer who assists the doctor in the procedure. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is used to treat tributary veins and perforators. It can also be used to treat larger veins such as the trunks of saphenous veins if they are of a small size. At Sydney Skin and Vein Clinic, we prefer to treat the larger trunks of saphenous veins with endovenous laser ablation.

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy can be used to treat other vascular problems such as vascular malformations.