The Alpha method

The Alpha method is a combined varicose vein treatment, similar to foam sclerotherapy but with greater safety and accuracy: the sclerosing foam is injected into the varicose veins through a special catheter, and the entire procedure takes place under continuous ultrasound guidance. The doctor follows every step on screen — the injection point, the amount of product, its distribution and the vein’s immediate reaction. No scalpel, no hospitalisation, local anaesthesia and immediate mobilisation.

The Alpha method is the modern alternative to the old surgical treatments of varicose veins, which involved hospitalisation, pain, bleeding or the complete stripping of the vein.

The Alpha method at a glance

• Type of procedure: ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, through a special catheter
• Anaesthesia: local
• Hospitalisation: not needed
• Scars: practically non-existent — no scalpel is used
• Recovery: daily activities are resumed immediately
• Compression: bandages or compression stockings between one week and one month

What is the Alpha method?

The Alpha method combines two established techniques: foam sclerotherapy and continuous ultrasound guidance. The sclerosing foam creates a controlled inflammatory reaction in the vein walls, which causes them to close. By using foam — instead of the classic liquid substance — the contact surface between the vein wall and the agent increases: the mixture of air and foam pushes the blood out of the vein’s path and produces a spasm of the vein, achieving a uniform closure with a smaller amount of sclerosing agent.

The difference from ordinary sclerotherapy is control: the ultrasound allows the identification of deep veins, which cannot be approached through visual control alone, and the procedure is followed permanently on the machine’s screen. The doctor checks the injection point, the amount of product injected, its distribution and observes the vein’s immediate reaction — hence the superior precision and safety.

Who is the Alpha method recommended for?

The Alpha method is used in the less severe forms associated with varicose disease:

• telangiectasias — dilations of the small blood vessels
• reticular veins — with a net-like appearance
• isolated varicose veins or recurrent varicose veins
• varicose veins located below the knee
• varicose veins of any size, including deep veins, hard to reach through direct visual control — here the ultrasound guidance brings the greatest benefit

When is it not recommended?

As with any form of sclerotherapy, the procedure is not performed on patients with an allergy to the sclerosing agent, with occlusive arterial disease (blocked arterial circulation) or with thrombophlebitis. These situations are checked at the preliminary consultation.

How does the procedure work, step by step?

1. The venous “map” — a Doppler ultrasound visualises the venous network of the legs and establishes exactly which varicose veins are to be treated through high-precision injections.
2. Local anaesthesia — the working area is numbed.
3. Injection through the catheter — the sclerosing foam is introduced into the varicose vein through a special catheter, not directly with the needle; this way the agent can be distributed in a controlled manner along the vein.
4. Continuous ultrasound control — the doctor follows on screen the injection point, the amount and distribution of the product and the vein’s immediate reaction, adjusting the procedure in real time.
5. The end — elastic compression is applied; you go home immediately, without hospitalisation.

What are the advantages of the Alpha method?

• very high precision and safety thanks to the ultrasound guidance — the intervention has a very high success rate
• allows the definitive treatment of varicose veins without surgery — the treated veins close and are resorbed
• no scalpel — scars are practically non-existent
• no hospitalisation — the patient’s early mobilisation is an essential benefit
• relieves the symptoms associated with varicose disease, up to their complete disappearance
• economical use of sclerosing agent — uniform closure with a smaller amount of substance

What is the recovery like?

Daily activities can be resumed immediately after the intervention; even if mild local inflammation appears, it does not immobilise you. The standard recommendations include:

• wearing compression bandages or stockings for a period between one week and one month, for optimal healing time and increased efficiency of the intervention
• regular light walks, avoiding strenuous exercise
• in the first 6 weeks, avoiding aspirin and paracetamol, as advised by the doctor

Risks and limitations

Local reactions — mild inflammation, sensitivity or small bruises at the injection points — are normal and transient. As with any sclerotherapy, a temporary pigmentation may appear along the vein, fading over time, and allergic reactions to the agent are rare but possible — which is why the procedure is done only after checking the allergy history. For large venous trunks, the thermal methods (STEAM, laser) may be more suitable; the decision belongs to the doctor, based on the ultrasound map.

The Alpha method compared with the other methods

• vs foam sclerotherapy — the same substance, but injected through a catheter and under continuous ultrasound guidance: greater precision, access to deep veins invisible at the surface
• vs STEAM/laser — Alpha closes the vein chemically, without heat; it is preferable for small and medium veins, while the thermal methods excel at trunks
• vs classic surgery — no hospitalisation, no pain, no bleeding and no vein stripping

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Alpha method and ordinary sclerotherapy?

Both use sclerosing foam. With the Alpha method, the injection is done through a special catheter and under continuous ultrasound guidance — the doctor sees in real time where the agent goes and how the vein reacts, which allows the precise treatment of deep veins as well.

Does the Alpha method hurt?

The procedure is done with local anaesthesia, and discomfort is minimal. No significant post-operative pain appears, and mobilisation is immediate.

How long do I wear the compression?

Between one week and one month, depending on the doctor’s recommendation — the compression ensures optimal healing time and increases the efficiency of the intervention.

Why must aspirin and paracetamol be avoided?

In the first 6 weeks after the intervention, these medicines can interfere with the closing and healing process of the treated vein. The doctor will tell you exactly what you can take if needed.

Is the result definitive?

The treated veins usually close permanently and are resorbed by the body. Varicose disease can produce new veins over time — periodic check-ups allow treating them early. See also all varicose vein treatment methods.