Glue Treatment vs Heat Treatment for Varicose Veins
For people with: Varicose Veins / Chronic Venous Insufficiency
About this trial
This trial is comparing two keyhole treatments for varicose veins. One uses a medical glue to seal the faulty vein, and the other uses heat. Both are done under local anaesthetic as a day case. We want to find out if the glue treatment works just as well as the heat treatment.
What would I need to do?
You will be randomly assigned to have either the glue treatment or the heat treatment. Both procedures are done in an outpatient clinic using local anaesthetic, and you can usually go home the same day. You will have follow-up appointments at 1 week, 6 months and 12 months, including an ultrasound scan of your leg.
You will attend the clinic on the day of your procedure. About 1 week later, you will have a telephone call to check how you are recovering. At 6 weeks, you will come for a clinic visit and ultrasound scan. At 6 months and 12 months, you will have further clinic visits with ultrasound scans to check the treated vein.
Could I take part?
You may be eligible if you have varicose veins that are causing symptoms such as aching, swelling, or skin changes in your legs. An ultrasound scan will be used to check whether your veins are suitable for treatment in this trial.
Age range: 18 to 80 years
What are the risks and benefits?
Both treatments are well-established and effective. The glue treatment avoids the need for numbing injections around the vein and compression stockings, which may make the experience more comfortable. The heat treatment has a longer track record. Both carry small risks of bruising, inflammation along the vein, and (rarely) skin numbness. Taking part means you will be closely followed up and your results will help decide the best treatment for future NHS patients.
Common questions
Interested in taking part?
Contact the research team to find out more about this trial and whether it might be right for you.
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