Glue

Product to treat trunk varicose veins that is still in the research phase. Unlike the well-established methods of treatment that have proved themselves with time, there are hardly any clinical studies on glue as yet and certainly no long-term results.

Using a special device, a cyanoacrylate adhesive (like instant glue) is injected at multiple sites into the affected trunk veins under local anaesthesia, in order to stick the vein walls together. The glue remains in the body and should be broken down with time. Treatment costs about 2400 EUR per leg.

The glue is not offered as a medicinal product, but rather as a medical device. Bringing a medical device onto the market requires less extensive investigation and fewer clinical studies than are needed to obtain marketing authorisation for a medicine. Health authorities are very strict about safety monitoring for medicinal products and it is stringently regulated to ensure maximum safety for patients.

No final conclusions can be drawn on the long-term efficacy and safety of glue used for this purpose, as few patients with varicose veins have as yet been treated with this method.