What Is Glue Ablation?
Glue ablation is a minimally invasive vein treatment that uses a medical-grade cyanoacrylate adhesive to close incompetent veins. Once the glue is delivered into the vein under ultrasound guidance, the vein walls adhere to each other, sealing the vein permanently. Blood is then naturally redirected to healthy veins, restoring proper circulation.
Because no heat is involved, glue ablation eliminates the need for tumescent anesthesia and significantly reduces the risk of thermal nerve injury. This makes it particularly suitable for veins located close to the skin or nerves in the lower leg.
Cyanoacrylate Glue Ablation Technique for Lower Leg Vein Insufficiency
Lower leg vein insufficiency often involves superficial veins that are sensitive to heat-based treatments. Cyanoacrylate glue ablation provides a targeted solution by sealing the diseased vein segment by segment, without damaging surrounding tissue.
This technique is especially effective for:
- Saphenous vein insufficiency
- Tributary veins in the lower leg
- Patients with recurrent varicose veins
- Patients seeking non-thermal treatment options
By directly addressing venous reflux, glue ablation treats the root cause of symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and visible varicose veins.
How Glue Ablation Works
Glue ablation follows a precise, ultrasound-guided process designed for maximum effectiveness with minimal patient discomfort.
Key Principles of the Procedure
- Ultrasound-guided vein access
- Controlled delivery of medical adhesive
- Immediate closure of the diseased vein
- No heat, no laser, no radiofrequency energy
Once the vein is sealed, the body gradually absorbs the treated vein while healthy veins take over normal blood flow.
All treatment planning and procedural oversight are provided under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz, ensuring proper patient selection and optimal outcomes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Glue Ablation?
Glue ablation is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Its success depends on proper patient selection and accurate ultrasound mapping. When used for the right indications, it offers excellent comfort and long-term results.
Ideal candidates for glue ablation typically include patients who:
- Have venous reflux confirmed by Doppler ultrasound
- Have lower leg vein insufficiency close to nerves or skin
- Prefer a non-thermal, non-tumescent treatment
- Want to avoid multiple injections of anesthesia
- Seek fast recovery with minimal post-procedure care
- Have recurrent varicose veins after previous treatments
Glue ablation is especially valuable in below-the-knee vein insufficiency, where heat-based techniques may increase the risk of nerve irritation.
At Istanbul Vein Center, candidacy is determined through a comprehensive vascular evaluation rather than symptoms alone.
Glue Ablation vs EVLA vs RFA
Glue ablation, Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) all aim to treat venous reflux, but they differ in how energy or materials are used to close the vein.
Glue Ablation
- Uses medical adhesive (cyanoacrylate)
- Non-thermal technique
- No tumescent anesthesia required
- Minimal post-procedure discomfort
- Especially suitable for lower leg veins
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
- Uses laser-generated heat
- Requires tumescent anesthesia
- Highly effective for larger vein segments
- Excellent long-term outcomes
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Uses radiofrequency thermal energy
- Controlled and uniform heating
- Comfortable recovery profile
- Widely used for saphenous vein insufficiency
The optimal technique is selected based on vein anatomy, reflux pattern, and patient-specific factors. In many cases, glue ablation is preferred when non-thermal treatment provides a safety advantage.
Treatment planning and technique selection are overseen by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz, ensuring that the chosen method matches both anatomy and clinical goals.
Benefits of Glue Ablation for Lower Leg Vein Insufficiency
Glue ablation offers distinct advantages, particularly for patients with veins located in sensitive areas of the lower leg.
Key benefits include:
- No heat-related nerve injury risk
- No tumescent anesthesia injections
- Short procedure time
- Minimal bruising and swelling
- No compression stockings required in many cases
- Immediate return to daily activities
- High patient comfort and satisfaction
Because the vein is sealed instantly, patients often notice symptom relief shortly after the procedure.
Patient Comfort and Procedural Experience
Glue ablation is designed to be one of the most comfortable vein treatments available.
During the Procedure
- Local anesthesia at the access point only
- No multiple needle injections along the vein
- Ultrasound-guided precision throughout
After the Procedure
- Walking immediately after treatment
- Minimal activity restrictions
- No heat-related post-procedure pain
This comfort-focused profile makes glue ablation particularly appealing to international patients and individuals seeking minimal downtime.
Recovery After Glue Ablation
Recovery after glue ablation is typically very fast and comfortable, which is one of the main reasons patients choose this technique over heat-based treatments.
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Patients walk immediately after treatment
- No thermal pain or burning sensation
- Mild tightness along the treated vein may occur briefly
- Daily activities can usually be resumed the same day
In many cases, compression stockings are not required, which further improves patient comfort and compliance.
Healing Timeline
- First days: minimal tenderness or awareness of the treated vein
- First weeks: leg heaviness and swelling begin to improve
- Following months: the sealed vein is gradually absorbed by the body
Follow-up ultrasound examinations confirm successful vein closure and healthy blood flow redistribution.
Long-Term Results of Glue Ablation
Glue ablation offers durable and predictable outcomes when applied to properly selected veins.
Clinical advantages include:
- High vein closure rates
- Sustained symptom relief
- Low recurrence risk when reflux sources are accurately treated
Because the technique targets venous reflux directly, long-term patient satisfaction is high—especially in lower leg vein insufficiency cases where non-thermal treatment is preferred.
Why Choose Istanbul Vein Center for Glue Ablation in Turkey
Successful glue ablation depends on experience, correct indication, and precise ultrasound guidance. At Istanbul Vein Center, glue ablation is performed as part of a comprehensive vascular care strategy.
Advanced Vascular Assessment
- Every patient undergoes:
- Detailed Doppler ultrasound mapping
- Identification of reflux patterns
- Personalized treatment planning
This ensures glue ablation is used only when it provides a true clinical advantage.
Expertise of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz
All glue ablation procedures are evaluated and supervised by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz, whose clinical focus includes:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Minimally invasive vein treatments
- Non-thermal ablation techniques
This expertise is critical for lower leg veins, where precision and technique selection directly affect outcomes.
Patient-Centered and International-Friendly Care
- Clear communication in English
- Efficient scheduling
- Same-day treatment and discharge
Turkey’s advanced medical infrastructure and Istanbul’s accessibility make treatment both effective and convenient for international patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glue Ablation
What is glue ablation?
Glue ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses medical-grade cyanoacrylate adhesive to seal diseased veins, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins without heat or laser energy.
Is glue ablation painful?
Glue ablation is generally very well tolerated. Only local anesthesia at the access point is needed, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Is glue ablation safe for lower leg veins?
Yes. Glue ablation is especially suitable for lower leg veins because it avoids heat-related nerve injury and does not require tumescent anesthesia.
How long does glue ablation take?
The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
When can I return to daily activities?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day or within 24 hours. Walking is encouraged immediately after treatment.
Are the results permanent?
When performed with accurate vein mapping and proper technique, glue ablation provides long-lasting vein closure with excellent clinical outcomes.