BTG Introduces Varithena for Treatment of Varicose Veins

August 11, 2014—BTG International Inc. announced the launch of Varithena polidocanol injectable foam in the United States. Varithena has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein system both above and below the knee.

According to BTG, Varithena improves symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins and the appearance of varicose veins. It also reduces heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing, and itching.

The company stated that Varithena is a uniform, low-nitrogen, polidocanol microfoam dispensed from a canister device. The physician injects a small amount of Varithena into the malfunctioning vein through a catheter or a needle. The foam displaces the blood from the vein to reach and treat the vein wall; the diseased vein collapses, and blood flow is diverted to healthy veins nearby. Treatment usually takes less than 1 hour, and patients may resume light activities as quickly as the same day of treatment.

Marlin Schul, MD, of the Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center in Indiana, conducted the first Varithena procedure. Dr. Schul commented in the company’s press release, “I am proud to now be able to offer Varithena as a new treatment option for my patients with varicose veins. Varithena is a convenient, minimally invasive treatment, and patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment.”