By Katherine Kozlowski, medical author and contributor to Vein News and VeinsVeinsVeins.com.
Key Words:
MOCA: Mechanochemical endovenous ablation: uses a rotating catheter to inject sclerosant solution to shut down a vein.
Researchers in Ontario studied several methods for venous closure aside from the more commonly used endovenous thermal ablation using heat. Results are as follows:
According to several research studies, cyanoacrylate adhesive (glue) closure and MOCA had similar outcomes and shorter recovery time compared to thermal ablation of a vein.
The use of the MOCA procedure had slightly poorer outcomes.
All endovenous treatments were more effective, and less costly than the former gold-standard treatment, surgical vein stripping.
Endovenous laser ablation is the most cost-effective of all treatments assessed.
For patients with varicose veins, the adhesive/glue procedure was the best method to reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Reference:
Schaink A, Xuanquian X, Gajic-Veljanoski O et al. Nonthermal Endovenous Procedures for Varicose Veins: A Health Technology Assessment. Ont Health Technology Assess Ser 2021; 21(8):1-188.