Rashid Hospital becomes first in the region to perform modern varicose vein removal surgery.

Dubai, UAE, October 12, 2016:  Rashid Hospital became the first hospital in the region to perform a modern varicose vein removal surgery.

The method is minimally invasive and is known as the VenaSeal closure system (VenaSeal system) which permanently treats varicose veins of the legs by sealing the affected superficial veins using an adhesive agent.

So far, the hospital has performed 12 surgeries on patients in the age group of 20 to 67 years.

Dr Mamoun Shafaamri, vascular surgeon at Dubai Health Authority said: “This method is a real breakthrough because the previous two methods of permanent varicose vein removal were more invasive, patient recovery time was much longer and the procedure was uncomfortable. This method is minimally invasive, does not require general anesthesia, only requires very little local anesthesia, does not affect the functioning of the nearby nerves and the patient is discharged after the procedure.”

Dr Shafaarmri said there are two types of veins—deep veins and superficial veins. Superficial veins are those that are close to the skin. Veins contain one-way valves that open to let blood flow through and then shut to keep blood from flowing backward. When valves of the superficial system are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool, which can cause varicose veins that are enlarged, swollen or twisted.

Varicose veins often cause no symptoms but some patients may experience mild to moderate pain, blood clots, skin ulcers or other problems. 
The VenaSeal system is intended for patients with superficial varicose veins of the legs that cause symptoms.

Dr Shafaamri said that in this method the vascular surgeon inserts a catheter through the skin into the diseased vein to allow injection of the VenaSeal adhesive, a clear liquid that polymerizes into solid material. The healthcare professional monitors proper placement of the catheter using ultrasound imaging during delivery of the adhesive into the diseased vein to seal it. 

“ In two years' time, the adhesive loses its effect but by then the body's own clotting mechanism kicks in and fibrosis mechanism keep the veins permanently closed,” he added.

The procedure is minimally invasive and all DHA hospitals are moving towards minimally invasive procedures across all specialties.