ClariVein

Sutton Place Laser Vein Care is the first center in Manhattan to use this revolutionary technique!

Dr. Mueller’s expertise has led him to write several scientific articles on ClariVein® ClariVein® is an innovative new technique that recently obtained FDA approval. It offers a unique new combination method for producing vein ablation (vein closure) – a rotating wire that scuffs up the inside lining of the vein, combined with injection of sclerosant chemical (the same as used in Sclerotherapy; see below) that then penetrates and closes down the lining of the vein wall. It utilizes a thin, flexible catheter introduced via a needle into the leg vein that is targeted for closure; a small injection of lidocaine anesthetic into the skin at the access site is all the anesthetic that is needed for the entire procedure.

Like the EVLA laser procedure, ultrasound imaging is used to localize the vein and guide the entire procedure. The ClariVein® catheter is passed up the leg within the target vein in order to cover the treatment zone. The end of the catheter contains a wire that rotates at very high speed (3,500 rpm) to abrade the inner vein wall, while simultaneously sclerosant chemical in injected through the same catheter. The sclerosant penetrates the vein wall in an enhanced manner, leading to a more effective vein closure. 2-year follow-up results from the initial clinical trial show a 97% vein closure rate, which is equal to EVLA, which is currently widely considered as the gold standard for minimally invasive vein closure. The unique method of vein ablation employed by ClariVein® is called MOCA® – Mechano-Chemical Ablation.

Advantages of ClariVein® over EVLA include:

  • Minimal to no pain during the procedure
  • Minimal to no pain after the procedure
  • Minimal to no bruising after the procedure
  • No need for tumescent anesthesia (injections of lidocaine along the track of the vein which is necessary due to the heat released by the laser)
  • No risk of side effects of lidocaine or epinephrine
  • No risk of direct heat injury to nerves, skin, arteries, or deep veins
    Can, therefore, be used in anatomic areas with higher risk of nerve, skin, or artery/vein damage (calf, behind the knee, in those with veins very close to the skin)
  • Can be used in moderately tortuous (winding) veins
  • No risk of creating artery – vein connections (arteriovenous fistula)
  • No risk of broken off laser fiber or catheter
  • No risk of mechanical failure of treatment equipment
  • Often can simultaneously treat one or more side branches / varicose veins, due to collateral trickling of sclerosant into side branches / varicose veins
  • Avoids the incremental side effects of Foam Sclerosants (liquid sclerosant, with fewer side effects, can be used with ClariVein® since it is so effective)
  • Faster procedure (15 minutes in clinical trials)
  • Disposable technology, not dependent on operation of complex laser generator
  • Minimize potential side effects of Lidocaine (local anesthetic)

Disadvantages of ClariVein® compared with EVLA include:

  • No long-term (5+ year) follow-up studies regarding durability of closure
  • Risks inherent in the sclerosant used

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